Addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Wednesday, Sherry Rehman said that the number of deaths due to rains in Balochistan in the last three days has risen to 39.
He said that this time monsoon rains across Pakistan are 87% higher than normal, while in Kashmir it is 49%, in Balochistan 274% and in Sindh 261% more. On the other hand, Gilgit-Baltistan is facing an unexpected heat wave. Is
The federal minister said that the first monsoon season started on June 29 and will continue till July 7 and 8 and it is possible that there will be monsoon rains even after that.
He said that Pakistan was ranked sixth among the countries affected by climate change and 16 lakes had exploded so far due to rising temperatures.
Monsoon rains wreak havoc in Balochistan
Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Balochistan officials told Urdu News on Wednesday that after heavy rains on Tuesday night, a flood relay entered the Khusnub Jalalzai area, about 20 km from Qila Saifullah district. Several people were swept away.
People in the area have taken refuge in nearby mountains and highlands to escape the local flash floods.
Federal Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman has said that the recent monsoon rains have killed 77 people across the country while the highest number of casualties has been in Balochistan province.
It may be recalled that PDMA Balochistan had written a letter to the Deputy Commissioners of all the districts on July 5 asking them to take action and predict torrential rains.
Director General PDMA Balochistan Naseer Ahmad Nasir told Urdu News that PDMA teams have recovered four bodies from Khasnob area.
According to officials, three children drowned in a river in Kich (Turbat) district. All three children were between the ages of eight and ten. After the rains in the river, there was a sudden flood from the Iranian border.
Rains in Kohlu have also damaged mud houses, crops and livestock.
Deputy Commissioner Kohlu Qurban Ali Magsi said that two people were killed and six others injured in lightning strikes in the district.
A flood situation has arisen in Qamar-ud-Din Karez area of Pak-Afghan border in Zhob after torrential rains.
Deputy Commissioner Zhob Muhammad Ramzan Phalal told Ardonews that ten houses were completely destroyed and more than 100 houses were partially damaged by the floods.
In addition, after filling the Vela Dam, its spillways have been opened. Nearby villages were evacuated after a crack in a dam in Dakki District.
More torrential rains are forecast in most districts of Balochistan, including Quetta, Balochistan.
A letter from the PDMA predicted heavy rains until July 7.
The letter said that Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Barkhan, Loralai Kohlu will receive heavy rains, while flood situation is likely in Quetta, hilly and urban areas.
District officials have been directed to ensure that personnel are ready to deal with any emergency situation in Quetta and ensure availability of necessary machinery.
Fishermen have been asked to go to the high seas and citizens to avoid unnecessary travel.
The PDMA has asked the administration to ban picnics near recreational areas and waterways and reservoirs, while taking steps to protect roads, dams and bridges.