According to the irrigation officials, water level at Sukkur barrage has been steady for the last 48 hours and could start receding by midnight. Upstream water level at Sukkur barrage was recorded at 1,130,000 cusecs and downstream at 1,108,000 cusecs. The downstream water level at Guddu barrage was recorded at 1,016,000 cusecs and is receding further.
On the other hand, hundreds of citizens carrying placards and banners observed a protest rally while shouting slogans against the government, especially Federal Minister for Labour and Manpower, Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah. According to the protestors the minister was against blowing up Ali Wahan protective embankment as his family owns agriculture lands in the area.
The protestors said that the federal minister was just looking after his own interests and not of the citizens. They said that if any damage was caused to the Bunder wall, the entire city of Sukkur will get flooded and the only way out was to bring down the Ali Wahan protective embankment.
They added that the government and its ministers have politicised the issue of floods and instead of doing something for the welfare of the people, are looking after their vested interests.
Bunder wall developed cracks three days back causing water to accumulate on Bunder road. Although Rangers as well as locals are trying to repair the cracks, the water level is increasing by the day, posing a great threat to the people of Sukkur.
Meanwhile, at least nine flood affected people were killed while 20 sustained injuries in different incidents on Wednesday. According to reports, a truck carrying flood affected Ogahi families from Ghouspur to Ghotki overturned, killing six people on the spot and injuring 20 others.
In another incident, flood affected people from the village of Khair Mohammad Samejo were sleeping by the roadside of the Thal bypass when a tractor trolley ran them over, killing three people on the spot.
Those killed include, Robina 11, Ali Haider 15, Abdul Wahid 25, Ayaz 12, Nadeem 45 Israr Ogahi 50, Rab Nawaz Samejo, Shah Ali and Abdul Nabi Samejo.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 12th, 2010.
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