Balochistan's monsoon season has claimed at least 8 lives over the past two months, with 41 homes damaged across the province, as heavy rains continue to batter multiple districts.

Kohlu remains under the most severe strain, with the overflowing Nisoba Dam inundating residential areas and forcing large scale rescue and relief operations. Intermittent heavy rainfall lasting nearly six hours caused storm drains to overflow, sending floodwater into Murree Colony, Medina Colony, New Killi, People's Colony, Model Town, Mohabbat Abad and the Gardawagh locality, damaging dozens of mud houses and boundary walls.

Two rickshaws were reportedly swept away in the Gardawagh river on July 22. District authorities said three residents trapped in floodwater in the area were rescued in time, and confirmed that no loss of life had been reported in Kohlu itself as of the district administration's latest update. Electricity supply to city feeders has remained suspended since the previous evening due to the flooding.

Deputy Commissioner Kohlu Azeem Jan Dumar visited the affected areas and mobilised police, the municipal committee, rescue teams and heavy machinery to drain floodwater, restore damaged roads and relocate residents to safer locations.

In Zhob, five people were injured, including one child, in rain related incidents on Thursday.

According to the Irrigation Department, a major flood originating from Kohlu and surrounding mountain ranges is currently passing through the Lehri River in Sibi district, with 95,913 cusecs of water flowing against the river's carrying capacity of 135,000 cusecs. Officials said there have been no reports of overflow, inundation or embankment breaches so far. Separately, 25,000 cusecs of floodwater is flowing through the Nari River, with the situation described as stable.

Heavy rainfall also struck Jhal Magsi and Gandawah, causing minor flooding in rivers and canals. Electricity supply in the area has remained suspended since the previous night.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast further rain and thunderstorms across northeastern Balochistan, including Quetta, Zhob, Musa Khel, Sherani, Loralai, Barkhan, Kohlu, Qila Abdullah and Qila Saifullah, with thunderstorms also expected in Pishin, Chaman, Ziarat, Kalat, Khuzdar, Awaran and Lasbela. Authorities have urged residents in flood prone areas to avoid unnecessary travel and stay clear of storm drains and flood channels.

Published in Balochistan Dispatch, July 24nd, 2026