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1.65 Million People at Risk as Sindh Faces Severe Flood Threat

The looming threat of Sindh floods has intensified, with revised government assessments showing that nearly 1.65 million people could face displacement due to rising water levels in the Indus River and heavy rains. Authorities confirmed that 273,000 families across 1,651 villages and 167 union councils remain vulnerable, as floodwaters threaten both sides of the river.

Sharp Rise in Risk Estimates

Earlier estimates placed the number of families at risk at around 52,000. However, fresh reports highlighted a sharp increase in the danger due to fears of unusually high water levels at Guddu Barrage. Officials warned that vast portions of the katcha (riverine) belt could be submerged if the flow continues to rise.

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon revealed the updated figures during a press briefing. He emphasized that while the scale of potential displacement is alarming, the provincial government has already activated emergency measures to protect lives and property.

Government Assures Preparedness

Speaking with confidence, Memon stated that Sindh faces no shortage of funds and that the administration is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality. He said all relevant departments have been placed on high alert, and coordinated efforts are underway across the province.

Read: Sindh on High Alert as Punjab Floods Leave 30 Dead and 1.5 Million Affected

Cabinet members, MPAs, and district administrations have joined hands with rescue agencies to monitor the developing situation. “We are working on an emergency basis, and our teams are already in the field,” Memon explained.

24/7 Monitoring Cell in Place

The minister confirmed the establishment of a Provincial Rain and Flood Emergency Monitoring Cell at the Sindh Secretariat. The cell will remain operational round the clock, ensuring continuous updates and swift responses.

Rescue and relief efforts have been reinforced with 192 boats and several mobile health units deployed in flood-prone areas. The government also announced that livestock will not be neglected, with 300 dedicated camps already set up for animals.

PPP Leadership Overseeing Efforts

Memon clarified that the evolving flood situation is being monitored at the highest levels. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah are personally reviewing updates. District administrations remain in close coordination with provincial authorities to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations.

Relief camps have been established, although many families prefer to stay with relatives in safer locations. Authorities continue to provide food, shelter, and essential supplies to those directly impacted.

Coordination with Punjab and Federal Support

Sindh has also been coordinating with the Punjab government. Relief kits and other necessary supplies are being dispatched to bolster flood-affected regions. The provincial government is issuing updated situation reports every three hours to keep citizens informed.

Memon stressed that the scale of the challenge is significant but manageable. He appealed to citizens living in low-lying areas to cooperate with the authorities and evacuate if instructed.

Chief Minister Briefed on Water Flows

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah personally reviewed water levels at major barrages. Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro briefed him on the latest flow measurements across Guddu, Sukkur, and Kotri barrages.

At noon on Saturday, the upstream flow at Guddu Barrage stood at 383,299 cusecs, with downstream at 350,943 cusecs. Sukkur Barrage recorded an upstream flow of 313,000 cusecs and downstream of 259,050 cusecs. Kotri Barrage measured 264,131 cusecs upstream and 233,216 cusecs downstream.

Shah was assured that all embankments and irrigation systems remain under control for now. Heavy machinery has been deployed at sensitive points to strengthen protective dykes.

Appeal for Public Cooperation

While the government has increased its relief operations, officials stressed that public cooperation is critical. Residents along the Indus River and those in low-lying areas have been asked to remain alert and follow evacuation orders promptly if necessary.

The chief minister emphasized that protecting lives remains the government’s top priority. He assured citizens that emergency resources, including rescue teams, food supplies, and medical assistance, are being fully mobilized.

A Region on High Alert

The flood threat has created widespread concern across Sindh, especially in riverine communities that face the greatest risk. With water levels rising and the possibility of further rains, authorities remain vigilant.

The coming days will be crucial, as flood levels at Guddu and other barrages will determine the extent of the displacement. For now, Sindh stands braced, balancing between preparedness and uncertainty, as the province confronts one of its most serious flood threats in recent years.

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