Rains trigger flooding, landslides in Balochistan

• N-65 highway reopens after seven hours • 20 injured in rain-related incidents QUETTA/DERA MURAD JAMALI: Heavy monsoon rains accompanied by thunderstorms and flash flooding triggered landslides, damaged homes and infrastructure, and disrupted traffic across several areas of Kachhi, Nasirabad and Sibi divisions, while the N-65 National Highway remained closed for around seven hours before being cleared and reopened to traffic. At least 20 people were reportedly injured in rain-related incidents. The N-65 was blocked near Sirajabad after heavy rainfall in mountainous areas triggered landslides, sending large boulders and debris onto the highway. The affected stretch extended from the Darbi area near the Mehrgarh check post and Qalamdin Hotel towards Sirajabad. The closure brought traffic on the vital highway to a standstill, with long queues of passenger buses, public transport and goods vehicles forming on both sides. Travellers, including women, children, elderly people and patients, faced severe difficulties amid hot and humid weather. According to reports, the situation was aggravated by flash flooding in the Bolan River and soil erosion in mountainous areas. The administration launched emergency clearance operations and removed debris from the highway. Following strong protests by stranded passengers and transporters, as well as intervention by senior authorities, traffic was restored in both directions after nearly seven hours. Meanwhile, Dhadar, Sibi, Nasir­abad, Bhag, Bakht­iarabad, Lehri, Dera Murad Jamali, Tamboo and surrounding areas were hit by strong winds and heavy rainfall. The storm damaged dozens of mud houses, toppled electricity poles, uprooted trees and damaged roofs, signboards and solar panels installed at homes, government offices, water-supply facilities and tube wells. According to local sources, more than 20 people were reportedly injured in various incidents caused by the storm and collapsing structures. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Sev­eral areas were also plunged into darkness after electricity poles were knocked down. The Irrigation Department reported a significant rise in water flow in Nari Gaj, with around 33,000 cusecs recorded following overnight rains. The flow was continuing to increase, while water was also coming through the Kambri Bridge and other areas, raising fears of further flooding. Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2026