CM Murad: Protecting People and Livestock Comes First as Sindh Prepares for Possible Super Flood
SUKKUR: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that saving human lives and livestock is the government’s top priority as the province braces for possible heavy flooding in the Indus River.
During his visit to Guddu and Sukkur barrages, the CM explained that inflows of 900,000 to one million cusecs could create a “super flood” situation, which would be extremely challenging to manage. He added that once lives and cattle are secure, the next focus will be on protecting the province’s three main barrages — Guddu, Sukkur, and Kotri.
The chief minister noted that inflows from Trimmu would reach Sindh within a few days. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with mapping already completed to identify vulnerable areas. He warned that if inflows cross 900,000 cusecs, more than 200,000 people could be affected.
Sindh’s terrain, he explained, poses greater risks than Punjab’s. “Once water spreads here, it does not recede easily,” he said. Sensitive points include KK Bund on the Right Bank of the Indus and Shank Bund on the Left Bank, both of which face high risk if flows rise further.
Recalling the 2010 floods, when over 1.1 million cusecs passed through Guddu Barrage, the CM said even slightly lower levels this year could cause serious challenges. On Aug 24, inflows of 550,000 cusecs had already touched embankments and damaged crops in some areas.
Relief and Rescue Measures
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) briefed the CM that:
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15 districts, 167 UCs, and 1,651 villages could be affected in case of a super flood.
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Over 1.6 million people may be at risk.
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948 relief camps have been set up with food, medicines, and anti-snakebite vaccines.
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Around 192 rescue boats are already operating in vulnerable areas.
The CM assured that cooked food would be provided at relief camps and that destroyed houses in riverine areas would later be rebuilt on safer ground. Mobile health units and emergency medical camps are also functional.
Inspection of Barrages and Bunds
Murad Ali Shah also reviewed rehabilitation works at Guddu and Sukkur barrages.
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The Guddu Barrage modernisation project has achieved over 70% physical progress and is expected to finish by March 2026.
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The Sindh Barrages Improvement Project (SBIP), supported by the World Bank, is scheduled for completion by June 2027.
He described these rehabilitation projects as “historic milestones” for Sindh’s agriculture, irrigation, and flood management.
At KK Bund and Shank Bund, emergency measures including stone dumping, stockpiling, and round-the-clock monitoring are underway to protect vulnerable areas.
