: Heavy Rain snowfall and avalanches Situation Report No. 01 (as of 13 January 2020)

Highlights

1. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) declared emergency on 12 January in seven districts of , , Ziarat, Pishin, Kila Abdullah, Kachhi (Kolpur area), Mastung, Harnai after a spell of heavy rain and snowfall across the province. PDMA has issued a follow-up notification on 13 January declaring emergency in three additional districts – Kila Saifullah, Loralai and Kalat. 2. The District Administration of Pishin, Zhob and Kila Abdullah has confirmed that 15 people including three women and three children died and 10 injured in separate incidents after the roofs of their houses collapsed due to heavy snowfall in the affected areas. 3. Physical access is the main constraint faced by the people of the affected areas. Roads and several highways are blocked and the main airport in Quetta is closed. 4. According to the Meteorological department, the current spell is expected to end as of 13 January which may be followed by a cold and dry weather in the next 72 hours causing temperatures to drop further. These conditions are likely to aggravate the situation in the coming days whereas food and warm clothing, NFIs and basic supplies are needed to reach areas cut off by snow.

Situation overview Continuous rain and snow spell since Thursday, 9 January across the Balochistan province has caused road and highways blockages disrupting life of the people in the affected districts of Quetta, Ziarat, Pishin, Kila Abdullah, Kachhi (Kolpur area), Mastung, Harnai. The total population of these districts, according to 2017 Census, is 4,530,688.

The District Administration has confirmed that fifteen (15) people died and around 10 injured after mud houses collapsed in districts, Pishin, Zhob and Killa Abdullah. Whereas the number of people affected by the current spell is still unknown.

People travelling through highways during these days got stuck and were rescued by Pakistan army and Frontier Corps with blankets and pre-cooked food. The roads were cleared temporarily but were closed again due to heavy fall.

All traffic has been suspended from Quetta to other parts of the province till roads blocks are removed. Quetta has reported to receive two (2) feet snowfall while Kan Mehtarzai in Kila Saifullah, received five (5) feet snowfall since the spell started.

Affected households faced power cuts and low gas pressure whereas their access to markets and hospitals was extremely limited in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan. The rest of the areas were also adversely affected due to access issues. Schools are closed for winter vacation; however, the anticipated extension of winter may cause the schools to re-open later than March.

PDMA has reported heavy rains in division in Gwadar, Turbet, Pasni and Kech districts. Water level in the seasonal rivers has risen after the catchment areas of these areas received heavy rains. A small dam was broken in ; however, no loss of life was reported.

The Meteorological department said that the unexpected pattern of weather experienced in Balochistan is due to the effects of global warming. For this reason, the winter season may prolong, and more rains are expected in March and April this year. The current heavy fall may generate flash flooding in districts of Turbet, Kech, Quetta, Kalat and Awaran shortly and in the coming months as monsoon sets in.

Government response

PDMA is coordinating with Pakistan Army, National Highway Authorities (NHA) to clear road blockages and is providing blankets and pre-cooked food. PPHI, partner of the Health department, have activated emergency centers on highways leading from Quetta to other districts. PDMA has requested for provision of helicopters to reach cut off areas with food and other basic supplies.

On the request of PDMA, the district administration and District Disaster Management Authorities are to carry out an assessment of their respective districts affected by the heavy spell. The results of the affected people and damages are expected in this week.

The UN has not received a formal request for assistance. OCHA is coordinating with PDMA to hold a provincial team meeting on 14 January to stock of the situation and needs.