Severe Climate Disaster Hits Northern Balochistan as Hailstorms and Tornadoes Devastate Killa Saifullah

Killa Saifullah: Northern Balochistan has come under the grip of extreme weather events, with powerful hailstorms and tornado-like winds causing widespread destruction across multiple districts, officials and local reports said.
The affected regions include Killa Saifullah, Killa Abdullah, Pishin, Chaman, Ziarat, Duki, Suni, Loralai, Toba Achakzai, and surrounding border areas along the Pakistan–Afghanistan frontier.
According to reports, ongoing climate shifts since 2022 have severely disrupted the social and economic fabric of the region. Recent pre-monsoon storms have intensified into destructive weather systems, bringing heavy winds, violent whirlwinds, and unprecedented hailstorms.
In several areas of Killa Saifullah, including Kari Zai, Bandat Mirzai, Tora Waskai, Shagai Mirzai, Bakhtiar Adda, and Daulatzai, residents witnessed tornado-like conditions accompanied by hailstones reportedly larger than eggs. Winds reaching over 80 miles per hour caused widespread devastation.
Agricultural lands suffered heavy losses, with orchards of apples, apricots, and peaches destroyed. Hundreds of trees were uprooted, electricity poles collapsed over long distances, and thousands of solar panels and signboards were scattered by the storm. Many houses were damaged or completely destroyed, with roofs and walls collapsing under the impact.
Livestock and wildlife were also affected, with reports of bird deaths and significant damage to vehicles, including shattered windshields and multiple accidents caused by strong winds. Agricultural infrastructure, including solar-powered tube wells, was also rendered inoperative.
During a visit to the affected areas, Director General of Provincial Disaster Management Authority Balochistan (PDMA) Jahanzeb Khan Gorazai stated that such a disaster had never been witnessed before in the region. He confirmed that large-scale damage had occurred and assured that relief efforts would be initiated.
He added that a detailed survey is underway to assess losses, after which a report will be submitted to the provincial government for compensation and rehabilitation measures.
Accompanied by Maulana Abdul Wasay, PDMA officials said the extreme weather conditions had destroyed even decades-old trees and strong structures, highlighting the severity of the climate impact.
Authorities stated that the damage assessment process will be completed soon, followed by practical steps for the rehabilitation of affected communities.