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What happened, where and when?
In February 2024, Gwadar, a port city in southwestern Balochistan province, was ocially declared a disaster zone due to persistent heavy rains lasting more than two days. This extreme weather event resulted in severe ooding, largely because of an inadequate drainage system. Roads and streets were submerged, and residential and commercial properties were inundated. The situation worsened as nearby streams and rivers overowed, unable to handle the immense volume of water from the continuous downpour. Many residents were forced to evacuate, seeking shelter and relying on community support. The oods caused widespread devastation, with reports of collapsed houses and buildings, along with disruptions to electricity and internet services. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Balochistan's Daily Situation Report on 3 March 2024, the torrential rains claimed ve lives in Barkhan and Jiwani, and an estimated 10,000 households were aected, based on the initial assessment by the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS). On 27 February 2024, Gwadar experienced a torrential downpour, submerging several areas, including Gwadar city and Sarabandan, leading to a state of emergency while rescue operations were underway. The Meteorological Department recorded 58 mm of rain in Gwadar, the highest in the region. Rain continued in northern Balochistan and coastal areas until 28 February, followed by strong winds and province-wide heavy rains until 2 March. The National Disaster Management Authority issued a forecast for widespread heavy rainfall from 29 February to 2 March across various regions, including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, and Galiyat. The caretaker Chief Minister of Balochistan declared an emergency in Gwadar on 28 February 2025. The Meteorological Oce reported a record 183 mm of rainfall in Gwadar within 24 hours, with an additional 57.80 mm the previous day. Jiwani, a town west of Gwadar, also experienced signicant rainfall, totaling 137 mm.