Encroachments main cause of urban flooding: Murad

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said on Wednesday that encroachments along rivers and storm-water drains were a major cause of urban flooding.

Talking to the media during his visit to various areas of the city, meant to review the post-rain situation, he said, while no government had ever authorised housing schemes along riverbeds, blocking natural waterways was against nature and had contributed to the crisis.

Murad said that his government, along with elected representatives and civic agencies, was working around the clock to protect citizens from the challenges posed by heavy rains and rising river levels across the province.

The CM praised Mayor Murtaza Wahab and Deputy Mayor Salman Murad for their efforts, noting that they remained active throughout the night to assist residents. He added that provincial ministers and senior administrative officers were also on the ground to monitor the situation.

Read More: Over 400 rescued as rains flood Karachi, death toll rises to four

Expressing grief over the loss of four lives in Malir during the night, Murad said rescue teams had managed to save several people trapped near Korangi Causeway early in the morning. He urged citizens to strictly follow government advisories.

The CM commended elected representatives, the administration, PDMA, Rescue 1122 and other agencies for their coordinated and effective response.

Murad said heavy downpours were also recorded in Thatta, Jamshoro, Dadu, Hyderabad, Sujawal, Badin, and Tharparkar. He noted that small dams in Tharparkar had filled up, and relief is being provided to the local communities.

Although the provincial government had prepared for a super flood of up to 900,000 cusecs in the Indus, the flow at Guddu Barrage had so far reached 500,000 cusecs. Relief camps and health facilities had already been set up, and over 5,000 people had received treatment at medical camps.

Mobile hospitals of the provincial disaster management authority are also in the affected area to provide immediate medical facility to people, while vaccination of over one million livestock had been completed to protect rural livelihoods.

Lessons learned from past floods

Reviewing past experiences, the CM said his government had learned to cope with disasters during the floods of 2008, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2020 and 2022. “We have always stood by our people, and today, PPP workers, elected representatives and the administration are again in the field,” he said. He welcomed healthy criticism but condemned negative politics during a crisis.

Highlighting the Malir Expressway project, Shah said it would serve as a protective embankment, urging critics to wait until its completion before passing negative comments.

During his visit to Qayyumabad and Korangi Causeway, the CM inspected drainage operations and noted that the causeway resembled a river. He directed that it should be cleared as soon as the Malir River’s flow recedes.

Also Read: PM orders urgent relief as Karachi reels from floods

Inspecting Shahrah-e-Bhutto and the Malir outfall, he was briefed by Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah on overnight rescue efforts.

At Malir 15, the CM reviewed traffic management and drainage works, ordering acceleration of pumping operation. He stressed that all low-lying areas must be cleared of rainwater as soon as possible, while municipal administrations and the Solid Waste Management Board must ensure continuous cleaning.

Murad also visited Saadi Town via Malir Cantonment, where he was informed that overflow from Latt and Thado dams had entered the locality through the motorway. Meeting residents on the ground, he assured them of swift action and directed the Water Board, Rescue 1122 and the Cantonment Board to intensify dewatering.

Later, he inspected Jinnah Avenue, where machinery has been deployed for drainage, and proceeded to Lyari River to review its flow.

The CM noted that the river, which carries runoff from Manghopir and Gadap through Orangi, SITE, Nazimabad, Liaquatabad and Gulbahar to the harbour, was under pressure but remained in control.

Throughout his visit, Murad emphasised rapid relief work, strong coordination among civic bodies, and clear communication with citizens to minimise hardships during the monsoon rains.