President Zardari calls for preparedness ahead of heavy rains, flooding in Sindh

President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday urged authorities to remain on high alert as heavy rains were forecast to lash Sindh from Sunday night, raising fears of flooding in vulnerable areas.

In a statement, the president directed provincial, district and municipal institutions to ensure advance preparations, particularly in low-lying and coastal districts. He also called for close monitoring of water levels in Hub Dam and other reservoirs.

“Timely relocation to safe areas, where necessary, must be facilitated and relief machinery and staff at the district and tehsil levels remain fully mobilised,” Zardari said.

President appealed to residents of flood-prone areas to take precautionary measures and strictly follow government advisories. He also urged the media and local administrations to play a proactive role in raising awareness to minimise risks and protect lives.

NDMA warns of urban flooding across Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab

Earlier, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of possible urban flooding and flash floods in parts of Sindh, Balochistan and southern Punjab, following an alert of extremely heavy rainfall between September 7 to 10, raising concerns for low-lying coastal districts.

According to NDMA, the anticipated downpour is linked to a weather system currently over the Gujarat-Rajasthan border in India, which is moving westward. “This system is expected to impact Sindh, adjoining areas of Balochistan, and southern Punjab, bringing intermittent heavy showers until September 10,” the NDMA statement said.

The authority cautioned that the heavy rains could trigger flash floods in the Keerthar mountain ranges and in streams and nullahs of Lasbela and Khuzdar in Balochistan. Similarly, parts of Koh-e-Suleiman and southern Punjab may also experience rainfall, leading to an increased water flow in local streams.

NDMA has urged the public to avoid crossing streams and water channels during the rain spell and advised residents of low-lying areas to take necessary safety precautions. “In case of emergency, follow the instructions of local authorities,” the advisory stated.

Sindh fully prepared to tackle rainfall

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has assured the public that the province is fully prepared to tackle any eventuality amid flash floods and heavy rainfall. 

Speaking at a press conference after visiting the Flood Monitoring Cell, CM Shah said he had received updates from the commissioners of Sukkur and Larkana, as well as the irrigation minister and secretary, regarding the anticipated flood situation.

CM Shah emphasized that evacuations are underway on a village-by-village basis. While many residents have already evacuated voluntarily, the government is actively guiding and assisting people. All evacuations are expected to be completed within 48 hours. 

He noted that heavy rainfall is unlikely in the areas above Guddu Barrage in the Koh-Suleman region, but rain is expected in Tharparkar, Thatta, Hyderabad, Karachi, Jamshoro, and Dadu. Karachi has already received above-average rainfall this year, and authorities are fully prepared to respond.
Sindh information minister details measures ahead of torrential rains.

Major Sindh barrages see sharp inflows, flood alerts issued

The Provincial Rain and Flood Emergency Monitoring Cell has reported significant changes in Sindh’s water situation, with sharp increases in inflows and outflows at major barrages.

At Trimmu Barrage, water inflows surged by 112,576 cusecs over the past 12 hours, reaching 488,169 cusecs, with outflows recorded at the same level.

At Panjnad Barrage, inflow and outflow were steady at 345,047 cusecs, influencing conditions at Guddu and Sukkur barrages downstream.

Guddu Barrage recorded inflows of 366,151 cusecs and outflows of 328,487 cusecs, with a major flood wave expected to pass today.

Authorities have warned that fluctuating water levels may worsen the situation in nearby areas. Residents of Sehwan’s river belt have been instructed to evacuate.

Sindh Excise and Taxation Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla said all necessary arrangements had been completed to manage the floodwaters and that officials were monitoring developments closely.

Sindh Assembly Speaker Syed Owais Qadir Shah, during a visit to Sukkur Barrage, said the true scale of the situation would be clear once the flood wave reached Panjnad and Guddu.

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At Sukkur Barrage, inflows were recorded at 329,990 cusecs and outflows at 281,985 cusecs, bringing unusual changes in water levels and affecting surrounding areas.

Kotri Barrage reported inflows of 245,452 cusecs and outflows of 226,497 cusecs, above normal levels and impacting river flows further downstream.