Breach of canal: Rohri Canal leak inundates 20 villages

HYDERABAD: A breach in the gigantic Rohri Canal embankment in New Saeedabad, Matiari district has led to mass evacuation from the area. The gushing water from 300 feet wide breach submerged at least 20 villages with an estimated population of around 30,000. Luckily, no casualty has been reported so far. The breach occurred near the Bakhar Jamali village at around 7:30 pm. Power supply to the area was cut as the local grid station was surrounded by water. There were long queues of vehicles on the National Highway, trying to evacuate people. The locals complained that the government did not come to their help for evacuation. Imdad Jamali, a resident of Bakhar Jamali village, said the levee was weak and they have been complaining about it to the irrigation officers from a long time. Aijaz Qureshi, chief engineer Hala division, said they will be able to plug the breach when water level recedes. Superintendent engineer Saeed Jagirani said the head regulator at Sukkur Barrage is being temporarily closed to reduce the water level.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 14^th, 2012.