Record-Breaking Cold Wave Grips Quetta, Frozen Water and Gas Shortages Disrupt Daily Life

**Quetta:** An intense cold wave in the provincial capital Quetta and its surrounding areas has shattered several years’ temperature records, bringing daily life to a near standstill. The mercury has plunged several degrees below freezing, with icy winds sweeping across the valley and worsening the already harsh conditions.

In suburban areas, ponds and reservoirs have frozen solid, while water standing in household and office pipelines has turned into ice, leaving residents struggling to access drinking water. In many localities, taps are yielding chunks of ice instead of water, and reports of burst pipelines have further disrupted the water supply system.

The severity of the cold has been compounded by low gas pressure and intermittent power outages, forcing residents to rely on firewood and coal to keep warm. These conditions have added to the hardships faced by citizens amid the prolonged cold spell.

Meteorological experts have warned that the cold wave is likely to persist for the next few days. Meanwhile, the district administration and health department have advised the public to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure for children and the elderly, and to ensure proper ventilation when using heaters or coal indoors to prevent health hazards.