Heavy Monsoon Rains Cause Flooding and Destruction in Balochistan, Pakistan
Heavy monsoon rains have caused death and destruction in Balochistan, Pakistan, with at least five people killed and hundreds displaced. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued warnings for further rain and landslides in several regions.
Impact of Cyclonic Storm Asna
Cyclonic storm Asna has weakened into a deep depression but continues to impact northern districts, including Chaman, Qila Abdullah, Harnai, and Qila Saifullah. The storm is currently located approximately 320 km northeast of Masirah Island in Oman, 340 km east-southeast of Muscat, and 370 km south of Gwadar.
Flash Floods and Destruction
Flash floods have destroyed homes, washed away link roads, and cut off access to the provincial capital, Quetta. A senior official from one of the affected districts reported that all road connections with Quetta have been severed.
Tragic Incidents
On the Sibi-Harnai road, a couple was found dead after their car was swept away by flash floods. The man was identified as Muhammad Ibrahim Khajak, an employee of the livestock department. In Zhob, a child drowned, and two more deaths have been reported in Harnai and Qila Saifullah over the past 24 hours.
Rescue Operations and Further Flooding
The situation in Jhal Magsi remains dire, with more than a dozen villages submerged and rescue operations hindered by inaccessible roads. A large breach in the Rabi canal in Nasirabad district has led to further flooding, inundating several villages and destroying link roads.
Weather Forecast
The Regional Meteorological Centre in Quetta has forecast rain and thundershowers across various districts, including Quetta, Zhob, Sibi, and Sherani, from Monday through Wednesday. Sea conditions are expected to remain rough, and fishermen are advised to avoid venturing into the open sea until Monday.
The PMD has also predicted rain and thundershowers in northern regions, including Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Murree, Galyat, and Lahore, from Monday and Tuesday. Wind and thundershowers, with isolated heavy falls, are anticipated in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Monday and Tuesday. Rain, wind, and thundershowers are also expected in several districts of Sindh on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Doubts Revealed
Monsoon -: Monsoon is a seasonal wind pattern that brings heavy rains, especially in South Asia. It usually happens between June and September.
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a province in Pakistan. It is located in the southwestern part of the country and is known for its dry and mountainous terrain.
Pakistan Meteorological Department -: The Pakistan Meteorological Department is a government agency that predicts the weather. They tell people if it will rain, be sunny, or if there will be storms.
Cyclonic storm Asna -: Cyclonic storm Asna is a type of strong storm with heavy winds and rain. It has weakened but is still causing problems in northern areas of Balochistan.
Flash floods -: Flash floods are sudden and very fast floods. They happen quickly and can cause a lot of damage in a short time.
Quetta -: Quetta is the capital city of Balochistan province in Pakistan. It is an important city but has been affected by the floods.
Rescue operations -: Rescue operations are efforts to save people who are in danger. In this case, they are trying to help people affected by the floods.
Zhob -: Zhob is a district in Balochistan, Pakistan. It is one of the areas affected by the heavy rains and floods.
Sibi -: Sibi is another district in Balochistan, Pakistan. It is also experiencing heavy rains and flooding.