The ongoing monsoon rains, which began on July 1, have brought widespread devastation across Balochistan, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
As of Monday, at least 19 people have lost their lives, 11 have been injured, and over 3,000 individuals have been affected by the relentless downpour, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
Widespread Impact and Rising Casualties
The monsoon season in Pakistan, spanning from June to September, is a critical period for replenishing water supplies and supporting agriculture. However, it also comes with the risk of severe weather-related disasters, particularly in vulnerable regions like Balochistan. This year, the impact has been particularly devastating.
Data from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reveals that from July 1 to August 17, a staggering 195 people have died, and 362 have been injured across Pakistan due to rain-related incidents. Moreover, the relentless rains have damaged 2,293 houses, leaving many without shelter.
Specifically in Balochistan, the PDMA reported that since July 1, 19 people have died, 11 have been injured, and 3,031 people have been affected by the ongoing rains. Additionally, 433 houses have been either fully or partially destroyed, further exacerbating the crisis.
The situation in Balochistan has become so dire that the provincial government has declared an emergency in several union councils across the districts of Kalat, Ziarat, Awaran, Kachhi, Loralai, Sohbatpur, and Lasbela, all of which have been declared calamity-hit.
Balochistan’s Battle with Monsoon Fury
Balochistan, already a region known for its arid and rugged terrain, has been hit hard by the monsoon rains this year. PDMA official Yunus Mengal highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “Balochistan has witnessed two dangerous spells of monsoon since July 1.” The rains have not only led to loss of life and property but also disrupted essential services and infrastructure.
The highest rainfall was recorded in Kalat, with over 48 millimetres, followed by Usta Muhammad with 34mm, and Sibbi with 21mm. Other areas, including Quetta and Khuzdar, recorded 10mm of rainfall each, while Zhob and Chaman received 9mm of rain.
The heavy downpours have overwhelmed local infrastructure, causing rivers to overflow and flood vast areas, including agricultural fields.
One of the most severely affected areas is Sohbatpur, where Deputy Commissioner Farida Tareen reported that a river in Judair overflowed due to the rain, inundating the area and destroying rice fields. The loss of crops is a significant blow to the local economy, which heavily relies on agriculture.
Efforts to Mitigate the Crisis and Acts of Heroism
In response to the ongoing disaster, the provincial government and various agencies are working tirelessly to provide relief to the affected populations. The National Highway Authority (NHA) has been actively involved in maintaining road connectivity in the region.
Balochistan’s NHA General Manager, Agha Inayatullah, assured that all national highways in northern Balochistan remain open for traffic. He emphasized that the authority and its contractors are “working round the clock to rectify damages” caused by floodwaters and to keep the roads open for essential travel and relief efforts.
Amid the chaos, stories of heroism have emerged, providing a glimmer of hope in these challenging times. One such instance occurred in the Killa Abdullah area, where a vehicle driver bravely rescued a family trapped in a flood relay.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti praised the driver’s actions, describing him as a “real hero” for his selfless service to the community. CM Bugti announced a cash reward and a certificate of appreciation for the driver, highlighting the importance of recognizing and honoring those who go above and beyond to help others in times of crisis.
A Grim Reminder of 2022’s Catastrophic Floods
The current monsoon devastation in Balochistan is a stark reminder of the catastrophic floods that struck Pakistan in the summer of 2022. During that period, torrential rains caused one of the most severe flooding events in the country’s history, resulting in the loss of 1,700 lives and affecting 33 million people nationwide.
The floods not only destroyed thousands of homes but also wiped out vast swathes of agricultural land, leading to a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale.
Sindh and Balochistan were the hardest-hit provinces during the 2022 floods. In Balochistan alone, 336 people lost their lives, and 426,897 homes were either damaged or destroyed. The agricultural sector suffered massive losses, with 1,230 square kilometers (304,000 acres) of crops ruined and approximately half a million livestock perishing.
As Balochistan faces yet another monsoon disaster, it is evident that the region remains highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and extreme weather events. The ongoing rains serve as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and climate resilience efforts in Pakistan’s most vulnerable regions.
The government and international community must work together to mitigate the impact of such disasters and ensure that the affected populations receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.
