Balochistan loses communication as floods damage optical fiber

Islamabad 27 Aug : The floods have stripped Balochistan of internet connectivity after nearly disconnecting it from the rest of Pakistan physically.

The devastation of infrastructure and the breakdown in communications links further compound the challenges faced by authorities in the rescue and relief actions in the region.The road, air and rail lines in Balochistan are currently suspended, separating it from the rest of the country "Due to flash floods and torrential rains in Balochistan optical fiber cable voice and data services have been disrupted in Quetta as well as (the) remaining of the major cities of the province," the Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) announced on Twitter.

An effort is being made to solve this astonishment the report said "Climate change catastrophe has transformed into a human catastrophe," The Express Tribun quoted Abdul Qaiyum, a resident of the city, as saying "In Balochistan, the communication system has been shut down because of optical fiber cable being cut at more than three points," Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Syed Aminul Haq said to The Express Tribune.Instructions have been sent to PTCL officials to reconnect with the company, Aminul Haq said.

Problems with internet and mobile phones are also surfacing in many parts of Sindh According to Aminul Haq.Experts say that because of climate changes, heavy rains will continue to cause havoc.The government should take measures to prevent such incidents in the future, to ensure connectivity to the internet.san/ .