Heavy pre-monsoon rains, which began on Friday and continued into Saturday, resulted in the deaths of at least eight people and injuries to over two dozen while damaging 300 mud houses across various areas of Balochistan.
The intense rainfall triggered a significant landslide on the Suleman mountain range, disrupting the Zhob-Dera Ismail Khan Highway traffic, particularly between Danasar and the Sherani district.
A substantial landslide also blocked a major section of the National Highway connecting Quetta with Islamabad via Zhob-Dera Ismail Khan, halting traffic near Danasar.
Hundreds of vehicles, including passenger coaches, buses, cars, and trucks, were stranded on both sides of the blocked areas.
Rescue teams from the National Highway Authority (NHA) also joined the efforts to reopen the highway.
An NHA spokesperson reported that heavy machinery was deployed to the Danasar area to expedite the clearance work. The spokesperson noted the severe impact on the highway and the ongoing risk of further landslides due to continued heavy rains.
Eight fatalities were reported due to rain-related incidents across the province. In the Barkhan area, three individuals died when their house’s roof collapsed. Two deaths occurred in the Sui area of the Dera Bugti district; one person was electrocuted in Dera Bugti, and two others died in Khuzdar and Jhal Magsi.
Due to the severe weather, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) also closed the N-70 highway, linking KP with Balochistan.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department anticipates additional rainfall in the Khuzdar, Awaran, and Lasbela areas.
