PNN: One person died and several others were injured in weather-related incidents as heavy rain and snow continued to affect large parts of Balochistan, authorities said on Tuesday.
Intermittent light to moderate snowfall in Quetta, Qalat, Ziarat, Mastung, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Chaman, Qila Saifullah, Zhob, and other northern areas has caused significant disruption.
Two unreinforced roofs caved in on Monday in Quetta due to rain. The roof of a house collapsed in the Kali Shahozai Muhammad Shahi Town area of Quetta, killing one person, Liaqat Ali, and injuring two others. In Duki, the roof of a shop on Masjid Road collapsed, injuring four people, including the shopkeeper, who were immediately taken to the hospital.
The snowfall and rain caused 24 feeders of the Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) to trip, leaving many areas of the city without electricity. Low gas pressure also created difficulties for residents.
Snow and ice disrupted traffic on key routes, including the N-50 connecting Quetta to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa at Kan Mehrizai, Khanozai, and Muslim Bagh; the Quetta-Chaman Highway at Kodak Top; and the Quetta-Karachi Highway at Lakhpas. Slippery conditions on the Quetta-Sindh route through Kolpur and Dasht also raised concerns over accidents.
Teams from the National Highway Authority, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), and district administration have been clearing snow and applying salt, restoring traffic at several locations.
According to the Meteorological Department, in the past 24 hours, Quetta recorded 0.5 inches of snow and Qalat 5 inches. Rainfall measurements included 34mm in Qalat, 17mm in Ziarat, 15mm in Dalbandin, 9mm in Noshki, 8mm in Naukundi, and 3mm in Quetta, Sibi, and Chaman. Minimum temperatures were recorded at -8°C in Ziarat, -7°C in Qalat, -4°C in Quetta, -2°C in Chaman, and -1°C in Zhob.
The meteorological department has warned of heavy rainfall over the next 12 to 24 hours in Gwadar, Jiwani, Pasni, Kech, Panjgur, Washuk, Khuzdar, Awaran, and Chagai, with a risk of flash floods in streams and rivers. Light rain with strong winds is expected in Kachhi, Sibi, Harnai, Duki, Kohlu, Jhal Magsi, and Loralai, while snow is likely to continue until Tuesday in Quetta, Ziarat, Qalat, Chaman, Pishin, and surrounding areas.
Quetta traffic police have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel, drive slowly, watch for black ice, use fog lights in low visibility, and carry an emergency kit. Motorcyclists have been specifically urged to avoid non-essential travel and wear helmets.
Despite the severe cold, residents and tourists in Quetta and the surrounding areas were seen enjoying the snowfall. Many were observed drinking hot beverages and breakfasting outdoors, while hotels and recreational spots reported an increase in visitors. Authorities have urged citizens to take precautions as the cold weather continues.