Pakistan Army rescues people stranded in Balochistan’s flood-hit areas

QUETTA (92 News) – Following flash flooding in several areas of Balochistan, the Pakistan Army carried out rescue and relief operations on Sunday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the security forces stepped in to assist the civil administration in rescue and relief operations to help trapped people in Lasbela, Makran and other flood-hit areas of Balochistan. The Pakistan Army reached the areas affected by flash floods caused by heavy rains and snowfall and moved the people trapped there to safety via military helicopters. Moreover, relief camps have been setup in Makran, Lasbela and other snow-covered areas of northern part of the province. “Approximately 1,500 families have been rescued in Dureji and Qilla Abdullah areas and rations have been provided to 3,500 families in the rain effected areas,” the statement reads. Pakistan Army doctors and paramedics are providing first-aid medical assistance and medicines to the affectees. It was reported that stranded vehicles at Khojak pass, Lak pass and Shela Bagh areas have also been rescued by security forces. Snowfall hit major parts of Balochistan, including the provincial capital, on March 2, while two people reportedly died in Dalbandin and Pishin due to the torrential rains and flash floods. Major parts of the province have received torrential rains since Friday evening without any pause, while Quetta, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Kan Mehtarzai, Khanozai and Ziarat valley were shrouded with snowfall. According to the Met Office, a weather system brought heavy rains and snowfall in the province on March 2. Koshan, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Mastung, Qila Abdullah and other areas experienced heavy downpour. Keeping in view the heavy rains, the provincial government had declared emergency in Qila Abdullah and sought army’s help.