The Caretaker Provincial Information Minister, John Achakzai, has designated Gwadar a disaster zone in response to the worrisome impact of recent severe rains.
The decision came as the region dealt with the devastation caused by severe downpours in Gwadar, Kech district, and other regions of Balochistan.
The proclamation came following a series of emergency measures implemented by the district administration in response to the issue.
The Caretaker Chief Minister, along with local officials, worked quickly to address the problem, signing off on the summary that formally recognized Gwadar as a disaster zone.
The torrential rains affected daily life and traffic, notably along the Coastal Highway, cutting off crucial connections between Gwadar, Ormara, and other key areas. The region’s infrastructure was severely damaged, with reports of collapsed boundary walls and roofs of mud houses in various areas.
The severity of the crisis forced the Gwadar district government to declare a state of emergency in rain-affected districts. Paramilitary personnel have been dispatched to aid in rescue and relief activities, with the goal of mitigating the impact on affected areas.
Meteorological officials reported that Gwadar received its greatest rainfall since 2010, totaling over 100mm in just 12 hours. The intensity of the rainfall is reminiscent of cyclone-caused storms that hit the region more than a decade ago.
Despite the enormous destruction, no casualties have been reported thus far. However, efforts are being made to safeguard the safety and well-being of everyone affected by the disaster.
