QUETTA: Following recent torrential rains and their devastating aftermath, Gwadar has been declared a disaster-hit zone, as announced by Caretaker Provincial Information Minister John Achakzai on Thursday.
The decision was prompted by the alarming impact of heavy rains, which wreaked havoc in Gwadar, Kech district, and other parts of Balochistan. In response to the crisis, emergency measures were swiftly implemented by the district administration.
Working in tandem with local officials, the Caretaker Chief Minister approved the formal recognition of Gwadar as a disaster zone, reflecting the urgency of the situation.
The torrential rains severely disrupted daily life and traffic, particularly on the Coastal Highway, leading to vital connections between Ormara, Gwadar, and surrounding regions being severed. The region’s infrastructure sustained significant damage, including reports of collapsed boundary walls and mud house roofs in various areas.
In light of the severity of the situation, a state of emergency was declared in rain-affected areas by the district administration. Paramilitary forces have been mobilized to assist in rescue and relief efforts, aiming to alleviate the impact on affected communities.
Meteorological officials confirmed that Gwadar experienced its heaviest rainfall since 2010, recording over 100mm in just twelve hours. The intensity of the downpours evoked memories of cyclone-triggered storms that battered the area over a decade ago.
