Severe Cold Wave Hits Balochistan: Snowfall and Heavy Rain in Quetta and Upper Districts

**Quetta (Daily Qudrat Quetta):** A fresh spell of rain and snowfall has struck several districts of Balochistan, intensifying the cold wave and causing disruption in electricity supply and communications in multiple areas. Rescue operations are ongoing to assist affected residents.

According to the Meteorological Department, on Monday, Ziarat recorded 9 inches of snowfall, Kalat 6.8 inches, and Quetta 0.7 inches. Rainfall measurements included 41 mm in Kalat, 18 mm in Dalbandin, 17 mm in Ziarat, 16 mm in Pasni and Jiwani, 12 mm in Noshki, 11 mm in Gwadar, and 10 mm in Quetta’s Sheikh Manda and Samangli areas. Other districts received: Nokundi, Turbat, Chaman 8 mm; Pishin 7 mm; Sibi 6 mm; Zhob 5 mm; and Panjgur 2 mm.

The National Highways Authority (NHA) confirmed that personnel and contractors were deployed across all national highways in Balochistan, carrying out snow clearance and salt spreading operations through the night to maintain traffic flow.

PDMA officials reported ongoing rescue operations in Qila Abdullah, Chaman, Ziarat, and Muslim Bagh. Connectivity to Dubandi tehsil and surrounding areas of Qila Abdullah was temporarily cut due to heavy snowfall, prompting the district administration to launch relief efforts. Roads were cleared and reopened following snow removal. PDMA Director General Jahanzeb Khan urged the public to exercise caution during heavy snowfall and avoid travel for recreational purposes.

The Meteorological Department forecast cold and dry weather across most districts on Tuesday, with severe cold expected in northern districts. Isolated rain and snowfall in hilly areas, accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms, are possible in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Noshki, Harnai, Zhob, Kalat, Barkhan, Sibi, and Loralai.