Sindh CM Reviews Flood Preparedness, Relief Measures Amid Rising River Flows

Staff Reporter

Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah chaired a high-level meeting at CM House on Friday to review the evolving flood situation, preparedness measures, and ongoing relief operations across the province. The session was attended by provincial ministers, senior officials, divisional commissioners, and DIGs, with participation from Irrigation and Agriculture ministers via video link.

The CM said that although water levels in rivers were receding, Sindh must remain alert to a potential flood situation ranging between 700,000 to 900,000 cusecs, with Guddu Barrage expected to face peak flows on September 8. He stressed the need for timely evacuation, establishment of relief camps, and readiness of all departments.

River and Dam Levels Update

Irrigation officials briefed that Tarbela Dam reported inflows of 183,000 cusecs and outflows of 155,500 cusecs, while Mangla Dam had inflows of 115,341 cusecs and outflows of 133,341 cusecs, both showing declining levels. At Guddu Barrage, inflows stood at 359,570 cusecs with outflows of 377,481 cusecs, and Sukkur Barrage recorded inflows of 331,155 cusecs against outflows of 277,355 cusecs, indicating a rising trend downstream.

Heavy Rainfall Forecast Across Sindh

The Met Office warned of widespread heavy rains from Sept 7–9, likely causing urban flooding, flash floods, and landslides. Districts expected to be affected include Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Sujawal, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Khairpur, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, and Shikarpur. Weak structures, power poles, and billboards may also suffer damage. Citizens have been advised to stay alert, limit travel, and follow official advisories.

Relief and Rehabilitation Efforts

Relief officials reported that 528 relief camps have been set up, though many displaced families have yet to move in. So far, 109,320 people have been evacuated to safer locations. 169 health camps have treated 27,801 patients, while divisional commissioners have been directed to ensure proper facilities at relief sites. Strengthening work is underway at the Kashmore-Kandhkot Bund and Qadirpur Shank Bund to protect vulnerable areas.

Livestock at Risk, Vaccination Campaign Launched

Sindh has 49.95 million livestock, of which 40% (19.98 million) could be affected in case of severe flooding. Within this, 5.12 million animals belong to the vulnerable Kacha belt of the Indus River. So far, 652,000 animals have been evacuated. Since July 10, the Livestock Department has run a vaccination campaign, establishing 300 veterinary camps staffed by nearly 1,000 personnel. A total of 754,527 animals have been vaccinated and treated.

CM Murad Ali Shah reiterated that the Sindh government would mobilize all available resources to safeguard people’s lives, livelihoods, and livestock amid the flood threat.