PAKISTAN WEATHER

Headline

Snow, rains disrupt life in Pakistan’s Balochistan.

Intro

As a new cold wave hits the area, intensely cold weather brings life to a standstill in many parts of Pakistan’s Balochistan province.

Story

Shotlist: KOJAK TOP, BALOCHISTAN, PAKISTAN (JANUARY 18, 202) (VNA – access all)


 

STORY: Intensely cold weather brought life to a standstill in many parts of Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province as a new cold wave hit the area on Wednesday (January 18).

The areas, including the provincial capital Quetta, have already been under the grip of cold weather with the mercury dropping from -4 degree to -10°Celsius in some areas.

Quetta saw its coldest night of the season on Friday as the temperature was recorded at -4°C.

Met Office informed on Tuesday (January 17) that a westerly wave was likely to enter North Balochistan on 18th January, and produce rain/snowfall in parts of Balochistan till 19th January.  

“Under the influence of this weather system, Rain/snowfall (isolated heavy fall) is expected in Quetta, Zhob, Barkhan, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Nokkundi, Dalbandin, Harnai, Qilla Saifullah, Qilla Abdullah, Muslim Bagh, Kalat, Khuzdar, Turbat, Panjgur and Makran coast on 18th & 19th January,”the Met office said.

Another weather system is likely to approach upper parts of the country from 21st January

On Wednesday (January 18) Provincial Disaster Management officials worked to clear the road by using snow removing machinery at Kojak Top and Kan Mehtarzai and surrounding areas.

“It has been snowing on Kojak Top since midnight at 12 p.m or 1 a.m. As you can see it is heavily snowing at the moment, however, PDMA Balochistan is working with coordination of provincial government. The chief minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo and home minister Mir Zia Langove are monitoring the work. All rescue staff, heavy machinery is deployed at various points including this Kojak Top where we are standing and the traffic is plying despite snowing,”said Attaullah Mengal, director at Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Balochistan.

The city of Quetta presented a deserted look as harsh weather forced people indoors. Most shops remained closed due to cold weather.

“No, no. there is no customer. People don’t get out in this cold. However I am sitting here as to earn something for my family,”said fruit seller Abdul Majeed.

Local resident, Aminullah, said, “It is very cold here. It is really very cold. May Allah have mercy. It is snowing as well, praise be to Allah.”

The winds blowing from Siberia cause extreme weather in Balochistan and parts of neighboring Afghanistan.