Heavy Rains Cause Severe Infrastructure Damage in Chaman, Pakistan

Heavy rains have wreaked havoc in Chaman, Pakistan, causing severe damage to infrastructure and resulting in the loss of lives and property. The mountainous northwest province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has issued a flood warning due to the melting of glaciers in several districts, cautioning of a heavy loss of life if safety measures are not taken.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), at least 59 people, including 33 children, have died in the past five days due to rain-related incidents. The heavy rainfall has also damaged 2,875 houses and 26 schools, with many either collapsing or sustaining partial damage. In Pishin, 15 houses were damaged during the rainfall, while flash floods closed the roads of Hanna Orak and Chashma Achozai, which have since been restored.

The southwest province of Baluchistan has also been battered by heavy rainfall, with flooding occurring in low-lying areas of Quetta and other parts of the province, including Mastung, Kalat, Nushki, Pishin, Kharan, Qila Abdullah, and Kachhi. Seven people have perished in lightning strikes, roof collapses, and other rain-related incidents across the province.

Why this matters: The severe damage caused by heavy rains in Pakistan highlights the country's vulnerability to climate change and the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience. The loss of lives and property underscores the importance of swift action to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events on communities and the economy.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an advisory for public precautionary measures to be taken during the rain spell predicted from April 25-30. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted that regions in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit Baltistan (GB), and Kashmir are expected to face heavy to moderate rains, windstorms, and hailstorms, with snowfall over high mountains. The NDMA has advised preparedness for potential floods and landslides, especially in Upper KP, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan.

Authorities have been urged to ensure readiness to respond to emergencies, with machinery and staff pre-positioned in vulnerable areas. Residents near riverbanks and nullahs have been advised to be aware of rising water levels and evacuate if necessary. Citizens are urged to exercise caution, avoid weak structures and waterways, and stay updated on weather conditions.

The heavy rainfall has disrupted railway tracks, resulting in the suspension of train services between Quetta and Chaman, as well as between Sibi and Harnai. The PDMA has provided necessary relief materials to 16 districts, and a survey is being conducted to ascertain the actual number of property losses. "The rainfall has submerged the port city of Gwadar, with hundreds of villages being drowned and link roads and bridges being damaged," a PDMA official stated.

Key Takeaways

• Heavy rains in Pakistan's Chaman and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa caused severe damage, 59 deaths.
• Balochistan also battered by heavy rainfall, 7 deaths from lightning, roof collapses.
• Authorities issued flood warnings, advisories for preparedness and precautions amid heavy rains.
• Disruption of railway services, damage to infrastructure, villages, roads, and bridges reported.
• Highlights Pakistan's vulnerability to climate change, need for improved disaster preparedness.