QUETTA: Flash-floods and torrential rains have claimed seventeen lives while leaving more than twenty thousand people displaced in Jhal Magsi, Khuzdar and other areas of Balochistan province, said an official.

Abdul Latif Kakar, the Director Planning Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) while addressing a press conference said flash-floods and torrential rains killed six people in Khuzdar, four in Turbat, five in Lasbella and other areas of Balochistan. He said two people were also missing in Lasbella district.

Rains and floods have played havoc in Khuzdar, Jhal Magsi, Loralai and other towns of Balochistan, area wise the biggest province of Pakistan.

Kakar informed that nine districts were affected by floods unleashed by torrential rains in the province. “Today road to flood-hit Gandawah has been restored,” Kakar said.

Torrential rains and floods have inundated 27 villages in district Jhal Magsi affecting thousands of people to leave their homes and take shelter in deserted and mountainous areas.

“Relief goods have been provided to Jhal Magsi through two army helicopters,” Kakar said, adding that initial aid has been provided to the affectees.

PDMA has dispatched 700 tents, 2500 packets of food and other relief items to the flood affected areas.

Floods have also destroyed crops and orchards in Loralai, Naseerabad, Jaffarabad and other districts of the province.