As of Monday, relentless monsoon rains have wreaked havoc across Balochistan, resulting in at least 19 deaths, 11 injuries, and affecting over 3,000 individuals, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), as reported by Dawn News.
The ongoing rains have caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and agricultural land, prompting the provincial government to declare an emergency in several districts.
This disaster underscores the growing threat of climate change, which is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in the region.
Impact of Monsoon Rains on Balochistan
Balochistan has been particularly hard-hit by the monsoon rains, which occur annually from June to September. While these rains are essential for replenishing water supplies and supporting agriculture, they also bring the risk of severe weather-related disasters.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), rain-related incidents between July 1 and August 17 have resulted in 195 deaths and 362 injuries across Pakistan, with Balochistan bearing a significant brunt of the devastation.
The PDMA reported that since July 1, Balochistan has witnessed 19 fatalities, 11 injuries, and over 3,000 people affected due to the rains. Additionally, 433 houses have been either partially or fully destroyed.
The impact has been widespread, with 16 districts in the province experiencing severe monsoon events. The most affected areas include Kalat, Ziarat, Awaran, Kachhi, Loralai, Sohbatpur, and Lasbela.
Emergency Measures and Relief Efforts
In response to the escalating disaster, the provincial government has declared an emergency in several union councils across the most affected districts. Relief efforts are currently underway, with the PDMA and local authorities working tirelessly to provide aid to those in need.
Yunus Mengal, a PDMA official, emphasized that relief efforts are ongoing and that authorities are doing everything possible to mitigate the impact of the floods.
Kalat has recorded the highest rainfall in the province, with over 48 millimeters of rain, followed by Usta Muhammad with 34 mm and Sibbi with 21 mm. Other areas, including Quetta and Khuzdar, received around 10 mm of rain, while Zhob and Chaman recorded 9 mm. The heavy rainfall has caused rivers to overflow, with the Judair River in Sohbatpur flooding the surrounding area and damaging rice fields.
Despite the challenges posed by the floods, Balochistan’s National Highway Authority General Manager, Agha Inayatullah, assured that all national highways in northern Balochistan remain open. The authority and contractors are working around the clock to repair flood damage and maintain road access, ensuring that relief supplies can reach the affected areas.
A Grim Reminder of Past Floods
The current situation in Balochistan is a grim reminder of the catastrophic floods that devastated Pakistan during the summer of 2022. Triggered by intense rainfall, those floods resulted in the deaths of 1,700 people, affected 33 million individuals, and caused widespread damage to homes and agricultural land.
Balochistan and Sindh were the hardest-hit provinces, with Balochistan alone reporting 336 fatalities, the destruction of over 426,897 homes, and the loss of 1,230 square kilometers (304,000 acres) of crops. Additionally, about half a million livestock perished during the disaster.
As the current monsoon rains continue to batter the region, there is growing concern about the long-term impacts of climate change on Pakistan’s weather patterns. Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani expressed his profound sadness over the loss of life and damage to property caused by the recent heavy rains and floods, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He highlighted the difficulties Pakistan faces due to climate change and urged people to take precautionary measures during the rainy season.
Senate Deputy Chairman Senator Syedaal Khan also expressed sorrow over the devastation caused by the rains, stating that it was deeply upsetting and that he stood in solidarity with the victims during their time of mourning. He called for the acceleration of rescue and relief efforts and urged philanthropists to assist those affected by the disaster.
Similarly, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman expressed regret over the fatalities from rain-related incidents, lamenting that Pakistan is once again experiencing the severe impacts of climate change.
She noted that the unusually intense monsoon rains have caused significant destruction and warned that the monsoon period is expected to continue until August 25. Senator Rehman urged all relevant agencies to stay vigilant to prevent further damage.
The ongoing monsoon rains in Balochistan have once again highlighted the vulnerability of Pakistan to climate-induced disasters. With the monsoon season expected to continue for several more weeks, the provincial and national authorities must remain vigilant and proactive in their relief efforts.
As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for both the government and the international community to address the underlying issues of climate change and work towards long-term solutions to mitigate its impact on vulnerable regions like Balochistan.
