The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of possible floods in riverbed areas of Sindh after strong floods in all three eastern rivers.
As per NDMA, 900,000 to 950,000 cusecs of water will pass the Panjnad Headworks between September 3 and 4. Water flows may slightly come down between 825,000 to 900,000 cusecs in case embankments are breached to divert floodwaters to avoid extreme damage.
The official statement of the NDMA said Guddu Barrage is expected to see water flows ranging from 800,000 to 1.1 million cusecs between September 5 and 6, with the lowest range lying between 750,000 to 900,000 cusecs if embankments are breached.
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At Sukkur Barrage, water flows of 800,000 to 1.1 million cusecs are expected between September 6 and 7, while Kotri Barrage is likely to witness flows between 800,000 to one million cusecs from September 8 to 9.
As per NDMA, the total flow could reach up to 1.2 million cusecs, potentially creating an extremely high-level flood scenario for the riverbed communities and low-lying areas of Sindh from September 12 to 13.
The authority also cautioned that floodwaters could damage agricultural land, nearby settlements, villages, and infrastructure. Hence, the authorities have been directed to take immediate preventive measures.
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Speaking at a press conference in Sukkur on Thursday, Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro, accompanied by provincial minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, confirmed that the irrigation department and district administrations have been placed on high alert.
“Undoubtedly, riverbed areas in Sindh will be affected, just as we have seen a sudden increase in water levels in Punjab’s rivers,” Shoro stated, adding that riverine communities will be informed about the expected water flow at least two days before it reaches Guddu barrage.
