QUETTA: The city of Quetta and surrounding areas experienced their first significant rainfall in 118 days on Saturday, ending a prolonged dry spell and ushering in a sharp drop in temperatures across Balochistan. The intermittent showers, while welcomed by many, brought immediate challenges, including widespread power outages that disrupted daily life.
The rain, which began in Quetta, extended to numerous districts including Gwadar, Kech, Kharan, Chagai, Zhob, and Ziarat. The Meteorological Department reported varying rainfall amounts, with Kalat receiving 13 mm and Quetta itself recording 3 mm. The precipitation has intensified the winter chill, leading to a surge in demand for heating essentials like warm clothes, firewood, and LPG gas.
Despite the festive mood, with crowds flocking to tourist spots like Hanna Lake to enjoy the weather, visitors complained about inadequate facilities. The more pressing issue for residents was a prolonged electricity crisis. The Quetta Electric Supply Company (KESCO) officials stated that 34 feeders in the city were shut down as a precautionary measure, leading to power cuts in most areas. The outages lasted well into the night, severely affecting citizens’ routines.
The downpour highlights both the relief from a prolonged drought and the underlying infrastructural vulnerabilities in the province. While the rains are crucial for water reservoirs and agriculture, the accompanying disruptions underscore the need for more resilient public services to handle seasonal weather changes effectively.
Despite the festive mood, with crowds flocking to tourist spots like Hanna Lake to enjoy the weather, visitors complained about inadequate facilities. The more pressing issue for residents was a prolonged electricity crisis. The Quetta Electric Supply Company (KESCO) officials stated that 34 feeders in the city were shut down as a precautionary measure, leading to power cuts in most areas. The outages lasted well into the night, severely affecting citizens’ routines.
The downpour highlights both the relief from a prolonged drought and the underlying infrastructural vulnerabilities in the province. While the rains are crucial for water reservoirs and agriculture, the accompanying disruptions underscore the need for more resilient public services to handle seasonal weather changes effectively.
