The Provincial Rain and Flood Emergency Monitoring Cell has reported significant changes in Sindh’s water situation, with sharp increases in inflows and outflows at major barrages.
At Trimmu Barrage, water inflows surged by 112,576 cusecs over the past 12 hours, reaching 488,169 cusecs, with outflows recorded at the same level.
At Panjnad Barrage, inflow and outflow were steady at 345,047 cusecs, influencing conditions at Guddu and Sukkur barrages downstream.
Guddu Barrage recorded inflows of 366,151 cusecs and outflows of 328,487 cusecs, with a major flood wave expected to pass today.
Authorities have warned that fluctuating water levels may worsen the situation in nearby areas. Residents of Sehwan’s river belt have been instructed to evacuate.
Sindh Excise and Taxation Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla said all necessary arrangements had been completed to manage the floodwaters and that officials were monitoring developments closely.
Sindh Assembly Speaker Syed Owais Qadir Shah, during a visit to Sukkur Barrage, said the true scale of the situation would be clear once the flood wave reached Panjnad and Guddu.
Read: Five people killed as boat capsizes during evacuation in Multan
At Sukkur Barrage, inflows were recorded at 329,990 cusecs and outflows at 281,985 cusecs, bringing unusual changes in water levels and affecting surrounding areas.
Kotri Barrage reported inflows of 245,452 cusecs and outflows of 226,497 cusecs, above normal levels and impacting river flows further downstream.
Rain death toll
At least 907 people have lost their lives and 1044 others injured so far in rain and flood-related incidents across the country, stated National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
As per the NDMA statistics, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) reported the highest number of fatalities with 502 deaths and 218 injuries. In Punjab, 223 people were killed and 654 injured, while Sindh recorded 58 deaths and 78 injuries during the monsoon season.
Balochistan reported 26 fatalities and five injuries, while Gilgit-Baltistan recorded 41 deaths and 52 injuries due to rains, flash floods, and landslides. In addition, 38 deaths were reported in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and nine in Islamabad.
The NDMA further noted that 6,180 livestock perished and 7,848 houses were damaged in rain and flood-related incidents.
Meanwhile, NDMA has issued an alert warning of potential urban flooding and lightning in parts of Islamabad and northern Punjab due to the development of a strong weather system.
According to NDMA, heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is expected in Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, and Jhelum. “The formation of towering cumulonimbus clouds, triggered by intense heat, may lead to heavy downpours and lightning strikes,” stated the NDMA.
Read more: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2565373/us-sends-humanitarian-relief-to-pakistans-flood-hit-areas
It warned that hilly areas could experience landslides, while heavy rains might damage weak infrastructure and cause power outages.
The NDMA advised residents to stay away from trees and weak structures, park vehicles in safe locations, and avoid unnecessary travel.
Boat capsizes
At least five people, including a woman and four children, lost their lives after a boat carrying flood victims capsized during an evacuation operation in Jalalpur Pirwala on Saturday, officials confirmed.
According to Rescue 1122, more than 20 people were on board when the boat overturned due to strong water currents. Rescue teams responded swiftly and managed to save over a dozen people.
“Our volunteers risked their lives and rescued over 12 individuals from the raging waters,” Rescue 1122 spokesperson said, adding that the unfortunate accident occurred during a flood relief operation in the Multan region.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia directed authorities to ensure the injured receive the best medical treatment and ordered that evacuation efforts must prioritise safety. “Private or official rescue boats must not be overloaded under any circumstances,” he said.
The Rescue spokesperson added that so far, over 9,000 people have been rescued from flood-hit areas in Multan, while more than 350,000 people and over 300,000 livestock have been evacuated in advance to safer locations.
