According to recent reports, seven additional fatalities have occurred in Balochistan due to ongoing heavy rains wreaking havoc across the province.
Since the onset of heavy rain and thunderstorms last week, a total of 17 people have lost their lives, with 15 others sustaining injuries from roof collapses, lightning strikes, and other incidents.
In Azad Kashmir, eight individuals lost their lives in two separate accidents amid continued rainfall in various areas.
The recent deaths in Balochistan occurred in Chaman, a border town, where a tragic incident unfolded on Thursday. Chaman Deputy Commissioner Athar Abbas Raja reported that seven victims, including four women and two children, were traveling in a car swept away by a flash flood.
The torrential downpour has resulted in the destruction of numerous mud houses, washed away by flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall in the surrounding mountains. Consequently, Chaman has been isolated from other areas of Balochistan, disrupting transit trade with Afghanistan.
The railway service between Quetta and Chaman has been suspended due to track damage caused by the floods. Additionally, rail service between Sibi and Harnai has been halted due to track damage in the Spintangi area.
In the Harnai district, ongoing heavy rain and thunderstorms have severed links with Quetta and other areas as flash floods washed away link roads. The coastal highway link between Ormara and Basool collapsed, disconnecting the Makran division from Karachi.
A dam in Chaman burst under the weight of excessive rainwater, causing extensive damage to both old and new Chaman. The influx of water inundated human settlements, damaging houses and displacing residents.
Urban flooding has paralyzed life in Chaman, submerging all roads and causing damage to several areas, including Roghani Road, Killi Roozudin, and Killi Salehzai.
Frontier Corps, Levies, and local administration personnel have initiated rescue operations, assisting stranded families in affected areas.
Similar devastation has been reported in other regions, including Ormara, Pasni, Jewani, Ziarat, Loralai, and various areas bordering Iran and Afghanistan, as heavy rains persist.
Meanwhile, in Azad Kashmir, seven individuals lost their lives, and 14 sustained injuries when a coach careened off a slippery road near Moiyan Khakheyan during heavy rain. Another life was claimed by a landslide along the Muzaffarabad-Mansehra road.
Efforts are underway to address the aftermath of these tragedies, with locals and officials advocating for infrastructure improvements to mitigate future risks.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of these disasters, the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience becomes increasingly apparent. Authorities are urged to prioritize measures to safeguard communities against the impacts of extreme weather events and natural disasters.
The devastating consequences of these recent incidents underscore the importance of proactive measures in building resilience and ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents. Collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and relevant stakeholders is essential to address the immediate challenges and implement long-term solutions to mitigate future risks.
In the wake of these tragedies, there is a pressing need for enhanced coordination and cooperation at all levels to effectively respond to emergencies, provide timely assistance to affected populations, and prevent further loss of life and property.
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