Torrential rains and heavy snowfall pounded remote parts of the country hampering relief work as rescuers tried to reach thousands of stranded people on Wednesday and officials reported more deaths crossing 400 toll. Officials said the unrelenting rain hampered relief work for more than 45,000 people, who lost homes, crops and livestock in Balochistan, where nearly 270 people lost their lives.
More than 150 people were killed in floods and avalanches in upper parts of the country over the past one week, they said.
Raziq Bugti, a Balochistan government spokesman, said at least seven more people were killed late Tuesday in Zhob district.
"Around 250 mud houses collapsed in heavy rains which continue to lash the area. More than 2,000 people have been affected."
He said the army was using bulldozers to clear roads and its helicopters were dropping relief goods though affected residents said the aid was not enough.
In Gwadar district hundreds of people thronged the relief camps set up by the army.
"I have walked for 10 hours along with my wife and children to reach this camp," said Rasool Bux, 60, at a relief camp in remote village of Gwadar.
"But I have been waiting here for hours. There is not enough food," said Bux, clad in a worn-out, dirtied, long traditional shirt and baggy trousers.
Sadiq Baloch, 40, another flood victim, said helicopters were dropping food, but it was not enough. "I am worried. Me and my children all are suffering from dysentery and stomach ailment," he said. Overseeing relief operation in the area, Brigadier Iftikhar Alam, said the military has started massive relief operations, but many villages remain out of the reach.
"There are around 25,000 people affected in floods in Gwadar alone. We are trying to reach every one."
In some of parts of Pishin district, seven to eight feet of snowfall during the week has left thousands of people stranded.
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