Provincial government maps riverine settlements, prepares evacuation strategy for families

Karachi

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah visited Guddu Barrage on Sunday along with senior provincial ministers and security officials to review the flood situation, saying the provincial administration was preparing for the possibility of a “super flood” of up to 900,000 cusecs.

The chief minister was accompanied by Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon, Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro and Commander Coast Rear Admiral Faisal. The delegation arrived at the barrage by helicopter and monitored the river flow and vulnerable areas with the help of maps during the aerial survey.

Speaking to reporters at the barrage, Shah noted that water levels were currently rising at Ravi and Trimmu. “Although we hope such high volumes will not reach here, we are still preparing for a super flood, which means 900,000 cusecs,” he said.

He warned that such a situation would submerge the entire katcha belt and said the provincial administration had made arrangements for a complete evacuation of riverine settlements. “We have maps of all populations, details of residents, and livestock counts. These have been shared with the district administration with instructions to coordinate with PDMA,” he said.

The chief minister added that the Pakistan Navy had extended significant support in preparations, while the Pakistan Army and Rangers were also in coordination with the provincial government. “Our first priority is to prevent loss of lives and livestock.

The district administration is making evacuation plans. PDMA, Pakistan Navy, and Army have already deployed 192 boats in katcha areas,” Shah said.

Highlighting the challenges of flood management, Shah pointed out that Punjab has designated breaching points where excess water can be released and its topography allows water to flow back quickly into the river.

“Sindh’s terrain lies below river level, which prevents water from returning quickly. That is why embankments here must be protected at all costs,” he explained.

According to the chief minister, six points on the right bank of the Indus River remain highly vulnerable. “The KK Bund section is the most dangerous, while Shahin Bund on the left bank is also sensitive.

If the flow reaches 800,000 or 900,000 cusecs, Shahin Bund will not withstand the pressure due to its structure. Protecting it, however, is our foremost priority,” he said.

Shah added that water from Trimmu would take around five days to reach Sindh, giving the administration time to prepare. He urged residents and media representatives to cooperate with authorities during the evacuation process if required.

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