GAWADAR: Heavy rains lashed flood-ravaged Gwadar and other parts of Balochistan on Sunday, disrupting normal life and traffic.
Showers that started last night have left major roads and streets flooded with knee-deep water and submerged low-lying areas in Gwadar and adjoining districts.
In Kech, heavy rains disrupted traffic and blocked connecting roads.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, 21 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in Gwadar, 10 mm in Turbat and 2 mm in Ormara, Turbat and Jiwani in the last 24 hours. The Met Office said rain and thundershowers with isolated showers were forecast in Turbat, Kech, Gwadar, Jiwani, Pasni, Ormara, Panjgur, Kharan, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbela and Awaran districts today.
It also warned of flash floods in local nullahs of Gwadar, Kech, Turbat and Panjgur, adding that snowfall may disrupt traffic in northern Balochistan till March 13.
The Met department further said that Chagai, Noshki, Washuk, Mastung, Sibbi, Nasirabad, Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musakhel, Kohlu, Jhal Magsi, Loralai, Ziarat, Quetta, Chaman, Pishin, Kila Abdullah and Kila Saifullah are believed to have witnessed similar weather with snow on the hills until March 13.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert in Balochistan. Separately, light rain was reported in several parts of Karachi during the day.
In a press release issued today, a copy of which is available at Dawn.com, the PDMA said a westerly wave is prevailing over Balochistan and adjoining Sindh.
“Rain/thunderstorm is likely to occur in Jamshoro, Dadu, Larkano, Kambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Sukkur, Ghotki, Naushahro Feroze and Shaheed Benazirabad today and on March 12 night/13. march
“Furthermore, today, Karachi division is likely to experience mostly cloudy and windy conditions with possibility of few drops of drizzle/light rain,” PDMA said.
In light of the forecast, the ministry urged authorities to take precautionary measures that include availability of drainage machines and personnel during rains, coordination with emergency services, establishment of telephone lines and availability of uninterrupted power supply to hospitals.
Ensure removal of vulnerable billboards, falling trees, loose electric wires, electric poles etc., PDMA said.
He also advised the public to stay indoors unless necessary, keep a distance from power lines or electrical wires and avoid driving in heavy rain due to poor visibility.
