QUETTA: The Balochistan government has launched a province-wide emergency preparedness drive, Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Jahanzaib Khan, announced on Friday. The government has activated district-level emergency teams, allocated funds, deployed rescue equipment, and pre-positioned essential relief supplies.
Speaking to the state-run APP news agency, Khan said that PDMA has mobilized District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), led by respective Deputy Commissioners (DCs), to coordinate response efforts in flood-prone areas. These teams will lead rescue and rehabilitation operations in close collaboration with departments such as Health, Irrigation, Police, and Livestock.
“The Balochistan government remains fully committed to delivering swift and effective emergency response in all vulnerable districts,” Khan stated. “We have authorized district administrations to use allocated funds and hire private machinery for urgent rescue tasks, while PDMA will deploy its own equipment wherever necessary.”
Khan revealed that the provincial government approved a comprehensive contingency plan on June 12 to strengthen disaster readiness. He added that district administrations are tailoring their action plans based on local weather forecasts. The Chief Minister has directed all districts to finalize emergency preparations and maintain a state of high alert across relevant departments.
As part of its preparedness strategy, PDMA has stockpiled relief items in every district, ensuring aid for more than 300 families per location. The supplies include tents, blankets, food rations, fuel, and machinery to support rapid response during emergencies.
Updating on the ongoing impact of the monsoon rains, Khan reported that floods have already claimed 16 lives across Balochistan — including 5 men, 4 women, and 7 children — and left 8 others injured. Floodwaters have damaged or destroyed 66 homes and affected four public infrastructure sites.
Khan confirmed he will personally supervise rescue and relief operations in affected districts. He assured that PDMA will dispatch emergency food supplies wherever needed. He also instructed DCs to return unused funds and submit hired machinery for audit after operations conclude.
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Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti praised PDMA’s performance during the past floods and urged continued vigilance. “Protecting lives and property is our top priority,” he stated, assuring that the government will provide all necessary resources for effective disaster response.
