Swift drainage of floodwaters in Gwadar ordered, CM visits affected areas

Gwadar: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti on Sunday afternoon ordered swift drainage of floodwaters from Gwadar – the central point of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

During a visit to the rain-hit areas in Gwadar and a subsequent high-level meeting, he emphasized the importance of sustaining efforts to rescue and rehabilitate those affected by the heavy rains, ensuring swift drainage of floodwaters from the impacted regions.

The Chief Minister acknowledged the extraordinary circumstances created by the relentless downpours in Gwadar and assured full government support for the affected populace.

Prompting action, he instructed relevant departments to accelerate relief operations in the rain-affected zones, aiming to safeguard lives and properties. Commissioner Makran Division, Saeed Ahmed Umrani, and Deputy Commissioner Kech, Aurangzeb Badini, briefed the CM that the recent rainfall tally reached approximately 187 millimeters in the area.

They highlighted the immediate relocation of families affected by the torrential rains to safe havens, where they are receiving essential aid, including provisions.

Chief Minister Bugti commended the timely response of the authorities and urged them to sustain these efforts until normalcy returns to Gwadar. The persistent heavy rainfall has led to severe flooding in Gwadar, submerging several villages on Saturday.

Later, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti discussed the matters concerning Gwadar’s development projects and the prevailing law and order situation.

CM Bugti mentioned the ongoing efforts for water drainage and rehabilitation initiatives in Gwadar.

Separately, Corps Commander Balochistan Lt Gen Rahat Naseem undertook a visit to the flood-affected areas of Gwadar district to assess the situation firsthand and extend support to the flood victims on Sunday afternoon.

According to an official statement issued here, the visit was aimed at personally assessing the situation and extending support to the distressed flood victims.

Accompanied by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Gwadar Division, the Corps Commander engaged in crucial discussions with local authorities and community leaders to comprehend the challenges confronting the affected populace.

Lt. General Rahat Nadeem was briefed on the immediate measures implemented by relief teams to alleviate the suffering of flood-affected victims.

He also interacted with social and regional elders during his visit, reiterating the unwavering commitment of the Pakistan Army to ensure the prompt delivery of relief and rehabilitation efforts in collaboration with civil administration.

Corps Commander Balochistan also assured the affected communities of the Pakistan Army’s steadfast support. With aid teams committed to remaining in the affected regions, timely relief measures will persist to provide comfort and aid to those grappling with the aftermath of the floods.

In a demonstration of their dedication to assisting, the Pakistan Army expedited the delivery of 17 large and small water pumps from Quetta to Gwadar to address the pressing need for water management in flood-affected areas.

Heavy rains wreaked havoc in Gwadar, Makran and northern and central parts of Balochistan on Wednesday, suspending the normal life and traffic.

The 30-hour-long rains triggered flash floods, submerging most of the areas. Paramilitary forces, called in by the local administration, reached the flood-affected areas and launched rescue and relief operations there. The Gwadar district administration has declared a state of emergency in the rain-hit areas.