Under cyclone Shaheen, heavy rain batters Makran coast

GWADAR: Cyclone Shah­een, which originated in the Arabian Sea, caused heavy rain and thunderstorm in the coastal areas of Gwadar, Pasni, Ormara, and Jiwani on Saturday, damaging a large number of fishing boats, houses and shops.

Over three dozen fishing boats anchored on the coasts of Gwadar and Pasni were destroyed as giant waves hit the coastal areas.

At least 16 people were injured when a passenger coach, going to Turbat from Karachi, overturned on the Coastal Highway.

A truck loaded with different items was swept away by floodwaters on the highway.

Seawaves and heavy rain lashed Gwadar, Pasni and Ormara and water entered shops and houses, rendering many people homeless.

Reports suggested that Pasni was hit badly. Dozens of hou­ses were damaged as 5-6 feet of rain and seawater ente­red the houses. Rai­nwater also entered the bazaars of Pishin town, causing heavy losses to the shopkeepers and traders.

Power supply was suspended in Gwadar city and other areas of the district. Solar panels were also affected and most of the areas plunged into darkness.

Heavy rains with thunderstorms started at midnight between Friday and Sat­urday and continued till late Saturday evening with brief intervals, causing high tides that lashed the coastline.

“Though … Sha­heen did not reach the Mak­ran coast, its effects could be witnessed in the coastal areas,” an official told Dawn.

Many fishing boats and launches were missing. The local administration and fishe­rmen were making efforts to shift their remaining fishing vessels to safer places along Gwadar and Pasni coasts.