Van carrying 15 passengers swept away as flash floods wreak havoc in Balochistan
Qila Abdullah, Gulistan become worst-hit areas as torrential rains lash the restive province
Torrential rains triggered severe flooding in parts of Balochistan on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction in Qila Abdullah and Gulistan, with authorities scrambling to respond to the emergency.
According to district administration officials, a van carrying 15 passengers was swept away by floodwaters in the Habibzai area of Gulistan tehsil. In a separate incident at the same location, a truck loaded with food items was also carried away by the strong currents.
Rescue operations have been launched in the affected areas, with teams making urgent efforts to locate and save the passengers feared trapped in the floodwaters.
Meanwhile, the water level in the river passing through Qila Abdullah has risen to a dangerous level, forcing authorities to suspend traffic on the Quetta-Chaman Highway. Several key link roads, including those connecting Toba Achakzai, Khanozai and Gulistan, have been closed for all types of traffic due to flooding.
Officials reported that numerous passenger vehicles have become stranded in rain-fed streams in Pishin and Toba Achakzai, prompting the administration to issue a high alert.
The situation remains critical as heavy rains continue, leaving tractors and other vehicles trapped in floodwaters at multiple locations. Authorities have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from flooded areas.