The caretaker government of Balochistan declared an emergency in Gwadar, labelling it a disaster zone due to severe flash floods caused by heavy rains.
Balochistan’s caretaker Information Minister, Jan Achakzai, announced the decision to recognize Gwadar as calamity-stricken and to initiate an emergency response, reflecting the gravity of the crisis.
Caretaker Chief Minister Ali Mardan Khan Domki has signed off on this declaration, with a formal notification pending. Domki commits to overseeing the relief efforts personally throughout the affected regions.
In response to the catastrophe, which left thousands homeless and caused extensive damage, Haq Do Tehreek Balochistan (HDTB) leader Maulana Hidayatur Rehman visited Gwadar to lead rescue operations.
The floods, fueled by over 180 millimetres of rain in two days, have disrupted essential services and damaged infrastructure, including the coastal highway linking Karachi to Gwadar, complicating recovery efforts.
Read: Gwadar City Faces Catastrophic Floods After 16-Hour Downpour
Beyond Gwadar, the storm has impacted Quetta and other Balochistan areas, prompting a wide-ranging relief operation involving military and civilian agencies.
Efforts focus on water drainage, infrastructure repair, and support for the displaced, with 80 boats deployed for evacuation and 300 people relocated. The disaster has prompted the closure of schools across Balochistan, highlighting the widespread impact of the floods.
As the community grapples with the aftermath, the dedication of local leaders and rescue teams embodies those affected’s resilience and collective spirit.
