Heavy pre-monsoon rains that began on Friday continued into Saturday, resulting in at least eight fatalities, over two dozen injuries, and damage to 300 mud houses across various parts of Balochistan.
The downpours in the Suleman mountain range triggered a significant landslide between Danasar and Dera Ismail Khan in Sherani district, leading to the closure of the Zhob-Dera Ismail Khan Highway.
Officials reported heavy rainfall affecting Zhob, Sherani, Qila Saifullah, Barkhan, Musakhail, and Loralai districts, causing disruption to the National Highway connecting Quetta with Islamabad via Zhob-Dera Ismail Khan due to large boulders blocking the road in Danasar.
Hundreds of vehicles, including passenger coaches, buses, cars, and trucks, were stranded on both sides of Danasar and Sherani areas. The district administration responded by providing food and water to those trapped by the landslides.
Deputy Commissioner Sana Mahjabeen of Sherani district stated that immediate action was taken to clear the highway by removing debris and mud with the assistance of Levies Force and local administration teams. Rescue efforts by the National Highway Authority (NHA) also focused on restoring traffic flow.
Unfortunately, eight fatalities were reported due to rain-related incidents in various parts of Balochistan. In Barkhan, three individuals died when their house collapsed during heavy rain, while two deaths occurred in Sui due to rain-related incidents. Additionally, one person was electrocuted in Dera Bugti, and two deaths were reported in Khuzdar and Jhal Magsi.
The N-70 highway connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Balochistan was closed due to the adverse weather conditions, as announced by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).
The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasted further rainfall for Khuzdar, Awaran, and Lasbela areas of Balochistan. Shahid Rind, spokesperson for the Balochistan government, reported partial restoration of traffic on the Zhob-Dera Ismail Khan Highway for light vehicles late Saturday night.
