Pakistan – Homes Destroyed, 8 Dead After Floods in Balochistan and Sindh Provinces

Pakistan‘s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported on 09 August that heavy monsoon rainfall has caused flooding and damages in Balochistan and Sindh provinces over the last few days.

In Balochistan, 8 people have died in floods in recent days, with many more reportedly missing. Over 140 homes have been completely destroyed.

NDMA said flooding struck in the districts of Khuzdar, Jhal Magsi, Lasbela, Gwadar, Pasni, Kachi and Dera Bugti from 07 August, 2020.

Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported Ormara in Gwadar District recorded 88mm of rain in 24 hours to 08 August. The city of Khuzdar saw 51 mm of rain and Pasni 61.5 mm during the same period.

Meanwhile in Sindh Province, heavy rainfall from 06 August caused flooding in Karachi, Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sakrand, Tando Jam and Thatta, according to NDMA. Pakistan Airforce Base at Faisal in Karachi recorded 94 mm of rain in 24 hours on 07 August.

Severe flooding occurred in the west of the province from 08 August after flood water from Balochistan made its way downstream along the Nai Gaj river. NDMA reported 50 villages in Dadu District were flooded.

Hundreds of people were rescued by military personnel. In a statement, the Pakistan Armed Forces said: “The recent rains have caused damage to the Nai Gaj Dam, resulting in the breach of the flood protection bund of the dam. As a result, at least 12 villages of the district have been badly affected.”

“Army troops, including army engineers, along with, motorboats and army medical teams have reached affected areas for rescue and relief efforts,” it added.

According to NDMA figures, 58 people have now died in the country in this year’s monsoon.  The first casualties were reported in early-June after heavy rainfall in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.

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