Balochistan braces for western weather system, flash flood risk high

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued an alert at provincial and district levels while forecasting a new and strong western weather system in Balochistan. Under this system, intermittent rains are expected in around 27 districts of the province from March 24 to 25 and again from March 27 to 29, while heavy rain, thunder, strong winds, and hailstorms are also likely in several areas. According to the Met Office, the western weather system will enter Balochistan through Iran, as a result of which there is a serious risk of flash flooding due to heavy rains from March 25 to 28. The weather today, according to the Met Department, will remain partly cloudy in most districts of Balochistan. Intermittent rain may begin in different areas after noon, while some areas may see heavy rain and hailstorms. A drop in temperature is also expected in northern areas, including Quetta, while winds will remain strong. Read: Balochistan suspends mobile, internet services Streams and local water channels in coastal and mountainous areas may overflow. In some places, torrential rain and hailstorms may turn roads into waterlogged areas, while strong winds may cause trees to fall and damage electricity poles. Affected districts The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a notification detailing the areas that may be affected. Coastal and Southern areas: Kharan, Khuzdar, Kech (Turbat), Panjgur, Awaran, Gwadar, Pasni, Ormara, Lasbela – strong rains accompanied by sea winds are expected here. Central and Northern areas: Chagai, Dalbandin, Nushki, Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Loralai, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Sibi, Kohlu, Barkhan, Naseerabad – moderate to heavy rain with thunder is expected. Other areas: Harnai, Zhob, Kalat, Mastung – rain with strong winds and thunder is expected. Read More: 4.5-magnitude earthquake jolts Balochistan's Khuzdar The Met Department has issued instructions to all relevant institutions, including the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Rescue 1122, local administration, and the Highways Department, to take precautionary measures in advance. Public advisory Tourists and travellers have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, especially on mountainous and coastal roads as visibility may be reduced due to hailstorms and strong winds. If travel is unavoidable, they have been advised to check the latest weather updates and exercise caution. According to experts, these rains may prove beneficial for the dry regions of Balochistan, but timely measures are necessary to prevent loss of life and property due to flash flooding. The Met Department has said that the situation is being monitored with further updates to be issued. Citizens have been advised not to go near streams and dams, to keep children indoors, and to stay away from electric wires and poles. Further, those collecting rainwater should exercise caution while residents living near streams and waterways have been particularly advised to remain alert and secure weak structures.