KARACHI: Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Thursday assured that the provincial government is fully prepared to deal with any potential flood emergency, stressing that arrangements have already been made to shift vulnerable populations to safe areas if needed.
Speaking at a press conference, Memon said that Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah had directed all district administrations across the province to remain on high alert. “At present, the situation is under control, but precautionary measures have been taken and evacuation plans are ready,” he added.
He expressed solidarity with the people of Punjab, who are already facing flood devastation, and said the Sindh government and the Pakistan Peoples Party stand with them during this crisis, extending support to Punjab’s relief operations.
The minister noted that coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is ongoing to minimize the impact of any possible flooding. Stockpiles of boats, tents, coolers, and kitchen equipment have been prepared, while a dedicated cell has been established to monitor the situation around the clock.
Barrage Situation and Emergency Measures
Sharing details, Memon said water levels at Guddu, Sukkur, and Kotri barrages are being closely tracked. On Thursday evening, inflows at Guddu stood at 300,232 cusecs with an outflow of 333,361, while Sukkur recorded 212,300 inflow against 266,370 outflow. At Kotri, inflow reached 211,870 cusecs, with outflow at 244,025.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah chaired a high-level meeting where he ordered the cancellation of all government staff leaves across essential departments including irrigation, health, livestock, local government, and police. He stressed that maximum manpower must remain available for emergency duties.
Departments have also been directed to maintain an updated inventory of machinery and resources, while control rooms are being set up at the chief secretary’s office, as well as commissioner and deputy commissioner levels, to monitor flood developments and register public complaints.
The health department has been instructed to ensure uninterrupted supply of life-saving medicines, including anti-malarial drugs, anti-rabies, and anti-venom vaccines. Rescue 1122 and PDMA were told to share details of their rescue boats, tents, and medical supplies with district administrations. Officials confirmed that 188 rescue boats are currently available across Sindh, with additional arrangements being made with private vendors if more are required.
Ministers Visit Sukkur Barrage
Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro and Energy Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah also visited Sukkur Barrage to review preparations. They assured that the barrage structure is safe, with the capacity to withstand up to 960,000 cusecs of water.
However, both ministers expressed concern that many families living in riverine belts remain reluctant to evacuate their ancestral homes despite repeated warnings.
“The government is keeping a close eye on Panjnad to determine how much water will flow towards Sindh,” Shoro said.
Nasir Shah warned that if 700,000 to 800,000 cusecs of floodwater were to pass through Sukkur Barrage in a single night, “no one would be able to control the situation.” He reiterated Sindh’s opposition to the controversial Kalabagh Dam project and stressed that only the completion of Diamer-Bhasha and other under-construction dams would allow the country to store water effectively.
