ISLAMABAD, August 29, 2025 — The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a stark warning of potential flooding in Sindh’s riverbed areas following a surge of high water flows across Pakistan’s eastern rivers.
According to the authority, between 900,000 and 950,000 cusecs of water are expected to pass through the Panjnad Headworks on September 3 and 4. In case embankments are deliberately breached to divert pressure, the flow could drop slightly to around 825,000–900,000 cusecs.
The situation downstream is equally concerning. Forecasts indicate that the Guddu Barrage may see flows ranging from 800,000 to 1.1 million cusecs between September 5 and 6, while the Sukkur Barrage is likely to face a similar range between September 6 and 7. Further south, the Kotri Barrage could witness between 800,000 and one million cusecs during September 8 and 9.
Officials fear that combined flows may climb to 1.2 million cusecs by September 12–13, creating what has been described as an “extremely high-level flood scenario” for low-lying settlements and riverine communities.
The NDMA cautioned that the floodwaters pose a serious threat to agricultural land, villages, and essential infrastructure. Authorities across Sindh have been instructed to implement preventive measures without delay.
Speaking at a press conference in Sukkur, Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro, accompanied by provincial minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, said the irrigation department and district administrations have already been placed on high alert.
“Undoubtedly, riverbed areas in Sindh will be affected, just as we witnessed in Punjab’s rivers,” Shoro noted. He added that residents living near the river belt would be informed about the incoming water surge at least two days before it reaches Guddu Barrage.
