Sindh govt fully prepared for super flood; Says CM Murad Ali Shah

Sindh govt fully prepared for super flood; Says CM Murad Ali Shah

KARACHI (Sep 1): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has assured that the provincial government is fully prepared for the possible super flood, with arrangements finalised to safely manage over 900,000 cusecs of water.

In an interview with a private news channel (Geo) Mr Shah indicated concerns that the inflow of water from India to the Guddu Barrage could reach between 1.2 to 1.3 million cusecs.

The Chief Minister disclosed that NDMA authorities have warned of inflows ranging from 800,000 to 1 million and even up to 1.2 to 1.3 million cusecs of water reaching Guddu Barrage. However, Sindh government has developed a comprehensive strategy to tackle all possible scenarios effectively.

Murad Ali Shah said the largest flood surge from the Chenab and Jhelum rivers has already reduced at the Trimmu Barrage and will take around three days to reach Panjnad. The situation at Panjnad will then provide a clearer indication of the size of the flood wave arriving at Guddu Barrage, expected by September 6. He added that on August 24, 550,000 cusecs of water already passed through Guddu Barrage safely and also went through Sukkur and Kotri barrages without any issues.

According to Murad Shah, an increase of 100,000 cusecs corresponds to nearly a foot rise in river water level. The barrages in Sindh are capable of handling flows up to one million cusecs, and the government is confident that the upcoming large flood wave will also be managed safely.

The Chief Minister emphasised the priority is to avoid loss of life and livestock at any cost.

Ahead of the possible flood, the Sindh government has placed rural areas of affected districts on high alert and made full arrangements to evacuate local residents to safe places if required.

Although large-scale evacuations have not been initiated yet, district administrations and irrigation department field staff have clearly warned residents of low-lying villages to remain ready for evacuation at any time.

Murad Ali Shah said the authorities have at least two days’ window to facilitate safe evacuation if needed.

The CM also informed that boats and other necessary facilities for evacuation have been arranged. The government’s own boats are prepared, the Navy and Army have provided support, and private boats are being hired to ensure timely evacuation.

The Chief Minister assured that the government is taking every possible step to protect the lives and property of the people in the event of a major flood.