QUETTA: Torrential rain hit several parts of Balochistan, including the provincial capital, turning the weather cold.

Torrential rains caused low gas pressure in parts of Quetta. Reports of heavy and light rainfall were also received from Nushki, Chagai, Washuk, Kalat, Cha­man and Zhob and other parts of the province.

The meteorological department has forecast more rainfall in the next 24 hours.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority and district administration have been alerted by Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani and Minister for Home and Tribal Affairs Mir Zia Ahmed Langove.

“All arrangements should be finalised prior to the new spell of rain in Makran division. A comprehensive strategy should be designed to face the challenge emerged by heavy rainfall,” the alert said.

“Rain emergency centres must be established in Gwadar and Turbat districts in Makran division on an immediate basis. Staff in these centres must be deputed,” the CM instructed the Makran commissioner.

With the start of the new spell, 16 electricity supply feeders tripped on Thursday night.

The rain also streams in Dalbandin, Nukundi, Chagai, Girdi Jungle and other parts heavily flooded.

According to the met office, rain and thundershowers is likely to occur at scattered places in Quetta, Kalat, Mastung, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Gwadar, Awaran, Kharan, Ketch, Panjgur, Sibbi, Ziarat, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Barkhan, Sherani and Zhob Districts (with chances of snowfall over hills of Kalat, Quetta, Ziarat, Qilla Abdullah and Khan Mehterzai).

Flash flood may occur in Kharan, Panjgur and Kech districts.

Freight train service

The railway track between Pakistan and neighbouring Iran was affected by the heavy rainfall. The freight train service between the two countries was suspended after a several feet long railway track was damaged due to the flash floods after heavy rainfall in Chagai district on Friday.

A Pakistan Railways official based in Dalbandin told Dawn that the flooding swept away the railway track between Laagap to Dalbandin on 57 places causing suspension in routine operations. The goods trains which were on the way from Quetta and Taftan have been stopped to avoid any mishap.

Official sources said repair work was started and the train service would be restored as soon as possible.

Ali Raza Rind contributed to this story from Chagai

Published in Dawn, November 23rd, 2019