QUETTA: A family of eight was among the 10 people who have swept away following heavy rain in the Zhob and Awaran districts of Balochistan province, according to the provincial disaster management officials.
The heavy rain that started on Friday night in Awaran and Khuzdar districts caused flash floods in seasonal streams. The family, including three women, two children, and three men, was travelling from Awaran to Kalat in a vehicle. Despite the strong flows, they attempted to cross a stream near Jhao and the vehicle was washed away.
Levies personnel and officials from Awaran administration reached the scene to locate the bodies. According to Deputy Commissioner Awaran, Jummadad Khan seven bodies had been recovered and taken to a nearby hospital, while the eighth was yet to be found.
The family was from Surab in Kalat and was on their way home when the accident occurred. Khan said that the administration had sent seven of the bodies back to Surab in ambulances. The identities of the deceased have been confirmed as Azizullah (38), Munir Ahmed (37), Noorzadi (18), Seema Bibi (17), Ayesha Bibi (40), Babiba Bibi (9), and Museer Ahmed (7). Search efforts were underway to locate Mohsin, who is still missing, according to the officials.
In addition, two people were washed away by the strong flows in Zhob. Muhammad Shafiq (60) was found in the hilly area of Sombaza close to the Pak-Afghan border, while Masood Khan (16) remains missing. The individuals had been herding goats when they were caught in the hill torrent. As many as 10 goats also swept away, and some mud houses were damaged in the floods.
Situation under control after rain
Deputy Commissioner Zhob, Ramzan Palal, has said that the situation is under control after heavy downpours in multiple regions throughout Balochistan, including Nushki, Zhob, Kalat, Ziarat, Dalbandin, Harnai, Duki, Loralai, Awaran, Qila Saifullah, Chaman, Mashkey, Quetta and Uthal.
