SUKKUR (Web Desk) – Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has warned that if a super flood hits the Indus River, the entire Kacha area could be swallowed by water. He said the provincial government has already rolled up its sleeves and completed preparations for large-scale evacuation.
Talking to the media at Guddu Barrage on Sunday, the CM said water levels are rising at Ravi and Trimmu, and although there is hope the situation may not worsen drastically, the government has made advance arrangements for a possible flow of up to 900,000 cusecs.
He said the administration has detailed maps of affected villages, along with the number of residents and livestock. These have been shared with district officials, who have been told to stay in close touch with PDMA.
Murad Ali Shah added that the Pakistan Navy, Army, and Rangers are all on board, with 192 rescue boats already deployed in vulnerable areas. “Our top priority is to save lives and livestock,” he stressed.
He admitted that saving the river embankments is the biggest challenge. “In Punjab, controlled breaches can be managed because of the geography, but Sindh is lower than the riverbed, so floodwater takes much longer to recede,” he explained.
The CM pointed out that six points on the right bank of the Indus are highly sensitive, with KK Bund most at risk. On the left bank, Shaheen Bund is dangerously weak and may not withstand 800,000 to 900,000 cusecs of water. “Protecting these bunds is our first priority,” he said.
Shah noted that the province still has some breathing space since water released from Trimmu takes nearly five days to reach Sindh. He appealed to the people and media to fully cooperate with the district administration when the time comes.