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  • Schools closed in Balochistan as rain continues destruction

    rain destruction in balochistan File Photo rain destruction in balochistan

    The provincial government of Balochistan has closed all education institutions in light of a renewed warning of downpour and flash floods.

    As major highways connecting to the province were still cut off, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has requested Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa to provide helicopters to reach the people who were stranded due to washing away of roads and highways.

    Quetta received heavy downpour on Sunday, resulting in urban flooding in Pashtoonabad, Hazara Town, Qadirand, Aminabd, Nawan Killi, Killi Qambrani and Sariab areas, where floodwater entered several houses. Karkhasa Dam near Quetta was breached at one point due to hill torrents, inundating several areas near Western Bypass.

    As per media reports, Quetta Commissioner Sohailur Rehman Baloch said the dam’s spillways have been opened by the irrigation department after it was filled to maximum capacity.

    Following the forecast of more rains and flooding, the Balochistan government has closed all educational institutions for one week. A notification issued by the provincial government stated that all government and private schools, colleges and other educational institutions would remain closed from Aug 22 to 27.

    However, more areas were expected to come under water as the NDMA has issued a fresh warning of flash floods in eastern parts of Balochistan.

    According to the NDMA advisory, the Flood Forecasting Division has forecast moderate flash flooding in the rivers and nullahs of eastern Balochistan during the next 24 hours and subsequent heavy flooding.

    The advisory also forecast “medium to high-level flooding” in Kabul River at Nowshera and Indus River till Monday (today).