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What happened, where and when?
In February 2024, a few media reports [1] highlighted that Gwadar, a port city located in the southwestern part of Balochistan province, was officially declared a disaster zone following persistent heavy rains that lasted more than two days. This extreme weather event led to severe flooding in Gwadar, exacerbated by the lack of an adequate drainage system. As a result, rainwater flooded roads and streets and penetrated residential and commercial properties. The situation worsened as nearby streams and rivers overflowed, unable to absorb the immense volume of water from the continuous downpour. This forced many residents to evacuate their homes and seek shelter elsewhere, relying on community support for assistance. The impact of the rainfall was devastating, with multiple reports of collapsed houses and buildings, alongside 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 five lives in Barkhan and Jiwani. Based on the initial assessment reported by the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), an estimated 10,000 households were affected.
On 27 February 2024, a torrential downpour was recorded in Gwadar, submerging several areas, including Gwadar city and Sarabandan. Gwadar district was declared a state of emergency while rescue operations were underway. The Meteorological Department recorded rain across various locations in Balochistan, with Gwadar receiving the highest amount at 58 mm. Continued rain was seen in northern Balochistan and coastal areas until 28 February, followed by strong winds and rains, triggering province-wide heavy rains until 2 March. The National Disaster Management Authority also issued a forecast of widespread heavy rainfall from 29 February until 2 March in various areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, and Galiyat. The caretaker Chief Minister of Balochistan declared an emergency in Gwadar on 28 February.
Pakistan is facing an increase in extreme weather events, a consequence of the ongoing global climate crisis. The shift in weather patterns, attributed to global warming, has led to unusual and intense rainfall, disrupting the typical climate cycle. This includes longer periods of both drought and excessive rainfall, driven by higher evaporation rates due to elevated temperatures.
The Meteorological Office reported that Gwadar received a record 183mm of rainfall in 24 hours (until 8 am on Wednesday, 28 February 2024), with an additional 57.80mm the day before. Jiwani, a town west of Gwadar, also experienced significant rainfall, totaling 137mm.
Furthermore, the heavy rains significantly impacted various districts in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, including Kohistan, Lower Dir, Mardan, Chitral, and Bajaur. In Mardan and Bajaur districts alone, five fatalities were reported due to the collapse of houses. Despite these challenges, no displacements were reported in these areas, and weather conditions have since normalized.
[1] Some media sources include:
https://www.nation.com.pk/28-Feb-2024/emergency-declared-in-gwadar-after-record-breaking-rainfall
https://www.dawn.com/news/1817672
https://thefridaytimes.com/29-Feb-2024/heavy-rains-wreak-havoc-in-gwadar
Scope and Scale
Gwadar, a coastal town in Pakistan's Balochistan province, was severely affected by over 48 hours of continuous heavy rainfall, resulting in widespread flooding that submerged entire neighborhoods, including roads, streets, and homes. The scale of devastation brought the town to a standstill, overwhelming the power infrastructure and disrupting critical services. The disaster, which began on 25 February 2024, caused significant damage, resulting in the loss of six lives, damaging 1,280 houses, and displacing an estimated 900-950 individuals [2]. These dire circumstances highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive emergency response.
Due to the displacement of families, access to healthcare services could be compromised, and there may be an increased demand for medical assistance. Adequate medical supplies, including basic first aid, medications, and hygiene kits, may become crucial in addressing immediate health concerns. Additionally, the psychological well-being of the affected population may be impacted, warranting attention to mental health support services.
Government officials visited Gwadar and announced a significant relief package for victims, including financial compensation for families of the deceased, the injured, and those with damaged homes. This announcement followed a briefing estimating that around 10,000 families have suffered damages, affecting their livelihoods, sanitation, and exposing them to water contamination risks.
Further complicating efforts to reach those in need, certain areas remained unreachable, with ongoing efforts to restore access and provide essential services. A Rapid Need Assessment by PRCS in five severely affected Union Councils reported that approximately 3,080 families (21,560 individuals) were impacted. The situation was particularly dire in Suntsar, where the entire population was isolated, facing shortages of daily necessities. The flooding also exacerbated public health concerns, with overfilled septic tanks leading to unsanitary conditions and posing significant risks, especially to women and girls. The PRCS's involvement extended to providing essential services upon request, including dewatering specific areas to mitigate these health risks.
The PRCS actively coordinated with local authorities to assess the extent of the damage and facilitate a coordinated response effort. A meeting was convened on 5 March 2024, between PRCS officials and local authorities, including the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Gwadar and the Director-General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), laying the groundwork for an effective relief strategy.