The death toll from rain-related incidents in Balochistan has climbed to 11, with more than a dozen people injured as heavy rains and thunderstorms continue to batter large parts of the province, officials said on Monday.
According to district administration officials, five people — including three children — lost their lives in the past 24 hours in Kakar Khurasan and Qila Abdullah.
A senior official Balochistan Pulse that two people were killed when lightning struck the Gulistan area of Qila Abdullah, a district bordering Afghanistan. The victims were identified as Bashir Ahmed and his son Zubair Ahmed, while another man, Muhammad Shafi, sustained injuries in the incident.
In a separate tragedy, three children were killed in Toba Kakari after the roof of a mud house collapsed due to torrential rains. Officials said the children were asleep when the structure caved in, burying them under debris before rescue teams could arrive.
Heavy rainfall, accompanied by strong winds, has also intensified cold weather conditions across the region. Quetta and surrounding areas are experiencing icy winds following recent snowfall in Ziarat.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast that rain and gusty winds will persist across Balochistan until April 9.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert, advising residents to avoid low-lying areas and unnecessary travel during the ongoing spell of severe weather.
The ongoing downpour has impacted multiple districts, including Dhadar, Sibi, Bolan, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, and Khanozai. In Qila Saifullah, rain and hailstorms have caused significant damage to crops and orchards, raising concerns among local farmers.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious and follow safety advisories as emergency teams remain on alert to respond to further incidents.
