Rain, snowfall disrupt life, business in Quetta, other areas

QUETTA: The rainfall and light snowfall on the mountains continued in Quetta as well as in the northern regions of Balochistan.

The rain in Quetta has intensified the cold, and residents are facing severe difficulties as sewage water flows onto the streets in various areas. Electricity and gas load shedding also affected domestic consumers and business activities.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department had forecasted heavy rainfall and snowfall in the northern areas of Balochistan, including Quetta, until January 20. This weather pattern has been ongoing since January 18.

In addition to Quetta, various areas of Balochistan such as Qila Abdullah, Chaman, Dalbandin, Nushki, Chaghi, Kalat, Mastung, Muslim Bagh, Khanozai, Ziarat, and others have been experiencing heavy rain, causing floods in streams and low-lying areas, leading to difficulties in transportation. The ongoing rain and snowfall have worsened people’s problems. Power outages and gas load shedding continue to cause inconvenience for the public.

The minimum temperatures recorded in various areas were: 0C in Quetta, -2C in Kalat, -3C in Ziarat, 1C in Zhob, 15C in Turbat, 6C in Nokundi, 4C in Chaman, 12C in Gwadar, and 10C in Jiwani.

Additionally, medium rainfall with strong winds and snowfall in the mountains is expected in Quetta, Mastung, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Chaghi, Kalat, Harnai, Zhob, and Musa Khel. Rain is also expected in Barkhan, Panjgur, Turbat, Gwadar, and Jiwani.