Heavy rains, flash floods wreak havoc across Balochistan
• Over 30 districts face flood-like situation as severe weather persists
• Lightning kills 12-year-old girl; flash floods damage infrastructure, cause widespread communication disruptions
• Rescuers save 15 from stranded van; major highways cut off
• Authorities ban travel; Met Office warns of severe flooding through April 3
QUETTA: A fresh spell of heavy, intermittent rain accompanied by strong winds, thunder and hail has pummelled more than 30 districts across Balochistan over the past 24 hours, triggering flash floods that have caused widespread disruption, infrastructure damage and at least one fatality.
Widespread heavy rainfall was reported on Wednesday in Quetta, Khuzdar, Kalat, Surab, Lasbela, Hub, Kech, Gwadar, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Zhob, Harnai, Loralai, Kohlu, Awaran, Kharan, Mastung, Sherani, Ziarat and other areas, creating flood-like conditions in many localities.
Low-lying areas have been submerged, flash floods have damaged embankments, and residents are facing severe hardships.
The fatalities and structural damage began mounting early on Wednesday. In Dhadhar city, a 12-year-old girl was killed by a lightning strike, which also damaged an electricity transformer.
The rains have disrupted telephone, mobile and internet services, isolating the district from the province and other areas.
In Kachhi district, floodwaters from the Nari River and hill torrents in Bolan inundated Ghazi village in the Balochani area.
The deluge destroyed eight houses and damaged the embankments of 10 others, alongside causing damage to local crops. Residents were forced to move to safer locations on their own as government assistance remained absent.
Meanwhile, rescue operations unfolded across the province. In Qila Abdullah, Gulistan and Jangal Piralizai, flash floods swept away a truck carrying food supplies.
A mini-coach carrying 15 passengers, including women and children, became stranded in floodwaters but was safely rescued by local authorities.
Two additional vehicles were also rescued from the Machka stream. The district administration confirmed that no casualties were reported in these incidents and all individuals remained safe.
High-level flood surges in rivers have heavily disrupted traffic on the Quetta-Chaman highway, while passenger vehicles remain stranded in seasonal rivers across Pishin and Toba Achakzai.
Intense rain and strong winds caused high-level flooding in streams across Qila Abdullah district. According to the deputy commissioner, water flow increased dangerously in Machka, Arambi, Baghak and Gulistan Kareez.
Authorities imposed a complete ban on all types of vehicle movement in streams and directed police to remain on high alert. Section 144, a legal measure prohibiting public gatherings, is already in force in the district.
Flood conditions remained volatile in several areas, including Bazaar, Habibzai, Abdul Rehmanzai, Gulistan, Arambi and Toba Achakzai late into Wednesday night, while water levels in dams and streams were continuously monitored.
In Sibi district and surrounding areas, overnight rainfall significantly lowered temperatures. A passenger pickup was swept away in a flood surge near Babar Kuch, though all three occupants survived.
Low-level floods in the Nari River caused partial damage to protective embankments at Bakhra Ghulam Bolak.
Sibi Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ilyas Kabzai placed the district administration on high alert, initiated strict monitoring of the flood situation, and visited various parts of Sibi city to review the rainfall conditions.
In Harnai, rain continued for the third consecutive day, severely affecting mud houses. In Babu Mohalla, the roof of a room collapsed, burying livestock under the debris, though no human casualties were reported.
Due to the flooding and surging hill torrents, Harnai’s road links with other parts of the country were completely cut off. Highways connecting Harnai with Punjab, Quetta and Sibi remained closed. During this time, a double-cabin pickup was swept away, but all passengers jumped out and saved their lives.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority and the Meteorological Department have issued alerts for continued rainfall. According to the Met Office, there is a risk of widespread flooding and damage due to heavy rainfall, windstorms and hail in Balochistan until April 3.
The department warned of severe flooding in hill torrents and seasonal streams in northeastern districts, including Zhob, Musa Khel, Sherani, Barkhan, Sibi, Kohlu, Dera Bugti, Nasirabad, Jhal Magsi, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Mastung, Kalat, Khuzdar and Lasbela.
Officials also cautioned that strong winds, hail and lightning may damage weak structures such as electricity poles, billboards and solar panels.
In response to the crisis, Kachhi Deputy Commissioner Mumtaz Ali Khetran chaired a flood emergency meeting with the heads of all relevant departments, including Communications and Works, Education, Local Government, Health, Police and Irrigation.
A comprehensive action plan was developed, outlining the identification of low-lying areas for timely evacuation, continuous monitoring of embankments, and the preparation of rescue and relief resources.
The deputy commissioner directed all departments to remain on round-the-clock alert, ensure emergency preparedness, and keep machinery ready for immediate rescue and relief operations.
Authorities have urgently appealed to the public to stay away from streams and low-lying areas and to avoid all unnecessary travel to prevent further loss of life and property amid the continuing severe weather.
Published in Dawn, April 2nd, 2026
