Sindh fully prepared to tackle ‘super flood’: CM Murad
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced major changes in vehicle registration and taxation. Photo: file
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said the province is fully prepared to face a potential ‘super flood’, with forecasts that 800,000 to 1.1 million cusecs of water may reach Guddu Barrage by September 5.
He assured that embankments have been fortified, evacuation plans are in place, and all departments are on high alert to minimise the risk to human lives, livestock, and infrastructure.
Speaking at a press conference at the New Sindh Secretariat, the chief minister said the warning comes amid India's release of a massive volume of water into the Chenab River, which is now flowing downstream through Punjab and expected to enter Sindh in the coming days.
Read: Sindh braces for 'super floods' as CM reviews Guddu Barrage defenses
Shah explained that four days ago, 1.077 million cusecs of water had reached Qadirabad Barrage. The flow from multiple rivers — Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej — merges at Panjnad, before entering the Indus River at Kot Mithan, eventually making its way to Guddu Barrage.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the flow at Guddu Barrage may reach up to 1.1 million cusecs, with any volume exceeding 900,000 cusecs classified as ‘super flood’.
“We are prepared to handle up to 910,000 cusecs, and we are confident we can manage even the worst-case scenario,” said CM Murad.
The chief minister assured the public that post-2010 flood improvements have significantly strengthened the province’s flood defence capacity as embankments have been raised by six feet, surveillance camps have been established every quarter mile and each site is staffed by 16 trained personnel working around the clock.
“Our top priority is to protect human lives, livestock, and key infrastructure. We’ve adopted all necessary precautions,” Murad said.
He added that all commissioners, deputy commissioners, and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) have been instructed to remain on high alert. Villagers and livestock owners in vulnerable areas have been notified, and the health department is on standby.
The CM also noted that support from the Army and Navy, along with local boat services, has been secured to assist in potential evacuations. “We will have at least two-day advance notice before the peak flow reaches critical points, allowing us enough time for relocation if needed,” he said.
Read more: Flood may impact 1.65m in 14 Sindh districts
Highlighting the long-term risks, CM Murad called on the federal government to adopt a comprehensive national climate change policy.
“Right now, my focus is on ensuring Sindh remains safe over the next 10 to 15 days. But Pakistan needs a robust policy framework to tackle climate change and recurring natural disasters,” he emphasised.
He warned that the threat of climate-driven catastrophes is increasing, and without urgent action and proper planning, regions across Pakistan will continue to suffer.
The chief minister also expressed solidarity with the people of Punjab, who have been the most affected by the current flood situation.
“In 2022, Sindh and Balochistan were the hardest hit. This time, our brothers and sisters in Punjab are suffering. The people of Sindh stand with them in prayer and support,” he said.
Sindh mobilises
In response to the ongoing flood situation, over 1,000 government schools in Larkana have been converted into relief camps, providing temporary shelter for more than 32,000 people.
Authorities have begun distributing food and essential supplies, while headmasters have been instructed to safeguard school records and valuables. A total of 3,290 classrooms across the district’s four talukas have been allocated, with the Education Department and district administration on high alert to assist flood-affected families.
Authorities in Sukkur held a high-level meeting at the Commissioner’s Office to review the flood situation. Participants included District Council Chairman Syed Kamil Haider Shah, Mayor Arslan Islam Sheikh, Commissioner Abid Saleem Qureshi, and Deputy Commissioner Nadir Shehzad.
Officials warned that in a super flood scenario, 753 villages, over 360,000 people, and more than 500,000 livestock could be affected. They have vacated 155 schools and government buildings and plan to establish 155 medical and livestock camps. A naval team of 40 personnel and over 70 boats have been deployed for rescue operations.
Police and Rangers will secure the relief camps, and groups involved in tribal conflicts will be seated separately. Authorities advised relocating residents to permanent structures rather than temporary embankment camps.
Ten union councils in Ghotki and Ubauro face flood risk, with 48 relief camp locations planned. Seven medical camps in Ghotki and six in Ubauro are operational, treating over 1,232 patients, supported by a 15-doctor team, two mobile hospitals, and three ambulances.
Qadirpur government school has been converted into a hospital, while the People's Primary Healthcare Initiative (PPHI) staff remain on duty 24/7. Over 700 patients have received treatment for malaria, diarrhea, cough, and skin diseases. The Indus River’s flow has dropped to 290,000 cusecs, and safe evacuations continue via 27 boats.
PDMA has been instructed to be ready for evacuation, and evacuation operations are currently underway. Approximately 900,000 cusecs of water are expected. Preparations have been made, with vulnerable villages and populations already identified.
The Pakistan Army and Navy have been called in to assist. The Navy has deployed two units, while the Provincial Disaster Management Authority(PDMA) has positioned boats to aid in evacuations. The Health Department has also been alerted, with medical teams stationed and relief camps set up.