Gwadar city has been submerged following heavy rainfall spell resulting inundating the streets, market, camouflages and downpour wreaked havoc on the city's infrastructure, chocking the already strained sewerage system.
The heavy spell of rain left its inhabitants to leave their homes from multiple areas of the city. Land connectivity of Gwadar Coastal highway is cut off from other areas. Due to rain in Gwadar, properties of the fishermen have also damaged.
Senator Khoda Babar of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, "We demand of the government to ensure the launching of an immediate rescue operation. A large number of people were stranded and shelterless in Gwadar.”
Under the leadership of Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, a high-level meeting addressed the impacts of heavy rains. Adequate measures for anticipated rainfall were discussed, with directives issued for relief efforts and rehabilitation.
Under the leadership of @cs_balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, a high-level meeting addressed the impacts of heavy rains. Adequate measures for anticipated rainfall were discussed, with directives issued for relief efforts and rehabilitation.@PDMABalochistan pic.twitter.com/nPPTLtoGZy
— Govt. of Balochistan (@dpr_gob) February 28, 2024
City plunges into darkness
The city plunged into darkness as torrential rains also disrupted the power supply.
Structures damaged
As per the local administration, seven houses, their structures unable to withstand the force of the inundation.
Haq Do Tehreek
Maulana Hidayatur Rehman, a member of the provincial assembly, termed the situation as one of utter paralysis, with residents left shelterless and helpless amid the chaos.
PML-N, PPP concerned on Gwadar situation
President Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) Shehbaz Sharif expressed concern over the situation in Gwadar. “There is serious concern over the damage caused by the recent rains in Gwadar. PMLN workers of Balochistan should immediately help the victims.
“Our sympathies are with the victims, they stand with them in their hour of difficulty,” Shahbaz Sharif said.
PMLN nominee for prime minister emphasized steps should be taken to re-build damaged houses.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari voiced his concern for the havoc like situation in port city Gwadar.
Weather alert for more rains
Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast torrential rainfall and heavy snowfall in various parts of the country from Feb 29 to March 2.
The PMD has forecast torrential rainfall/heavy snowfall with windstorm/thunderstorms and isolated hailstorm in most parts of the country during the period.
The PMD has warned that heavy rainfall may generate flash floods/heavy snowfall may disrupt daily life in vulnerable areas.
A strong westerly wave was likely to approach western parts on Feb 29 and may grip most parts of the country on March 1 and persist till March 2.
Under the influence of this weather system, widespread heavy rain with windstorm/thunderstorm (snowfall over the hills) is expected in Balochistan from Feb 29 to March 1. Isolated hailstorm is also likely during the period.
Weather prediction
In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, heavy to extremely heavy widespread rain with windstorm/thunderstorm with heavy snowfall over the hills is expected from Feb 29 to March 3. Isolated hailstorm is also likely during the period.
In Gilgit-Baltistan/Kashmir, heavy to extremely heavy widespread rain with windstorm/thunderstorm and snowfall is expected from Feb 29 to March 3. Isolated hailstorm is also likely during the period.
In Punjab/Islamabad, widespread heavy rain with windstorm/thunderstorm is expected on March 1 and 2. Heavy snowfall is also expected in Murree, Galliyat and surrounding areas during the period.
In Sindh, rain-wind/thunderstorm is expected in Sukkur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Larkana, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad Karachi,
