Sindh on High Alert: Severe Floods Predicted, Urgent Action Required

Sindh CM instructed all local bodies

district administrations, and the Irrigation

Department to be on high alert

Staff Reporter

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, in a high-level meeting, instructed all local bodies, district administrations, and the Irrigation Department to be on high alert in response to the expected heavy rainfall. He emphasized timely action to manage potential emergencies across the province.

Weather Warning and Forecast

The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported that a well-marked low-pressure area over central India has intensified into a depression, potentially reaching eastern Sindh by the night of August 26th. This system is likely to bring strong monsoon currents, resulting in heavy to very heavy rainfall across multiple districts, including Tharparkar, Badin, Hyderabad, Karachi, and others, from August 26th to August 31st. Severe flash flooding is also expected in areas along the Kirthar range, particularly in Jacobabad, Kambar-Shahdadkot, Dadu, and Jamshoro.

Preparedness and Preventive Measures

Murad Ali Shah directed the Karachi Commissioner to monitor sea conditions, as rough seas are anticipated during the forecast period. He also instructed the Fisheries Department to advise fishermen on necessary precautions. Minister of Local Government Saeed Ghani briefed the CM on measures taken to clean main drains and maintain drainage systems in major cities. Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab confirmed that machinery has been provided to the towns for this purpose, and the water board is actively managing the sewerage system. The PDMA has ensured that emergency supplies, including tents, blankets, and hygiene kits, are ready for dispatch if needed.

Irrigation and Flood Management

Secretary Irrigation Zareef Khero highlighted that the Irrigation Department has constructed eight small dams to mitigate urban flooding, particularly in areas like Saadi Garden and Gulshan Usman. The CM ordered continuous patrolling of river bunds on both banks to control the situation during the heavy rains.

Minister of Irrigation Jam Khan Shoro discussed the challenges of flood management in the Lower Indus region, noting the rising riverbed due to sediment deposition, which makes flood-protection dykes more vulnerable. He emphasized the need for vigilant monitoring and maintenance of the bunds.

Rain-Emergency Cell

The Chief Minister has established a rain-emergency cell at the CM Secretariat with phone numbers 021-99207349 and 99207568. He urged citizens to report any issues with civic agencies for prompt assistance.

Emergency Meeting and Attendees

The meeting, chaired by Murad Ali Shah, included key provincial ministers such as Sharjeel Memon, Saeed Ghani, Jam Khan Shoro, and Makhdoom Mahboob. Other significant attendees were Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, Mayor Sukkur Arslan Shaikh, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, and representatives from the Corps Headquarters and PDMA. Officials from other divisions joined via video link.