Sindh Flood High Alert Sindh on High Alert as Floodwaters Approach: Ministers Review Sukkur Barrage Preparations
Sindh Flood High Alert, As floodwaters from upper regions continue their southward journey, the province of Sindh has been placed on high alert, bracing for a potential deluge. In a proactive move to safeguard its vital infrastructure and vulnerable populations, top provincial ministers undertook a critical visit to the Sukkur Barrage on Thursday. This urgent assessment aimed to scrutinize the existing flood preparedness measures and reassure the public amidst growing anxieties about the impending threat.
Sindh on High Alert: Ministers Assess Barrage Defenses
Amidst escalating concerns over significant floodwaters making their way from Punjab, the Sindh government has moved swiftly to bolster its defenses, dispatching key provincial ministers to Sukkur Barrage. Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro and Energy Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah led a high-level delegation, including senior irrigation officials, to personally oversee the province’s readiness. Their visit was crucial in evaluating the effectiveness of all pre-emptive actions taken to shield Sindh from the anticipated onslaught of floodwaters.
The delegation’s inspection covered not only the formidable Sukkur Barrage structure itself but also the extensive network of nearby embankments, which serve as critical protective barriers. Accompanied by the irrigation secretary, Sukkur commissioner, and the chief engineer of Sukkur Barrage, the ministers meticulously assessed every aspect of the infrastructure. Following their detailed examination, a joint press conference was held at the barrage, where the ministers collectively affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to monitoring the situation round-the-clock and deploying dedicated irrigation officials to all vulnerable points.
Minister Shoro, during the press briefing, offered a vital assurance regarding the structural integrity of the Sukkur Barrage, stating unequivocally that it faces no immediate risk. He highlighted the barrage’s impressive capacity to safely pass up to 960,000 cusecs of water, well within the expected range, and confirmed the robust strength of the protective dykes designed to withstand considerable pressure. However, a significant concern was raised regarding the reluctance of residents in the riverine belt to evacuate their ancestral homes, despite the clear and present danger, underscoring the ongoing challenge faced by authorities in ensuring public safety.
Barrage Safety Confirmed, Evacuation Efforts Continue
While the structural integrity of Sukkur Barrage has been confidently reaffirmed by Minister Shoro, with its capacity to handle large volumes of water, the human element remains a critical area of focus. Despite the clear and present danger posed by the approaching floodwaters, many residents in the riverine areas are hesitant to abandon their homes. Government teams are actively engaged in persuasive efforts, tirelessly working to convince these communities to relocate to designated safer zones, emphasizing that their safety is the paramount concern for the administration.
In parallel with these evacuation efforts, the government has taken proactive steps to enhance rescue capabilities, directing deputy commissioners across the affected regions to coordinate closely with local vendors. This initiative aims to ensure the immediate availability of additional boats on an emergency basis, which will be vital for swift rescue and relief operations should the situation escalate. Energy Minister Nasir Hussain Shah also articulated a significant concern, cautioning that the situation could become “uncontrollable” if an exceptionally high volume of water, specifically between 700,000 to 800,000 cusecs, were to pass through the barrage within a single night.
Minister Shah further reiterated Sindh’s long-standing opposition to controversial upstream water projects, particularly the Kalabagh Dam, arguing that such debates often resurface during crises. He emphasized that Sindh consistently opposes these projects due to their detrimental impact on lower riparian rights, advocating instead for a focus on the completion of ongoing projects like the Diamer and Bhasha dams for water storage. Both ministers stressed the importance of closely monitoring the situation at Panjnad, the critical juncture where floodwaters converge before entering Sindh, to accurately estimate the volume expected downstream, as heavy monsoon rains continue to devastate upper regions, keeping authorities in Sindh on maximum alert.
In conclusion, Sindh’s government is demonstrating a proactive and vigilant approach to the impending flood threat, with ministerial oversight ensuring that all possible measures are in place. While the Sukkur Barrage’s structural integrity provides a reassuring buffer, the primary challenge remains the safe evacuation of vulnerable populations from the riverine belt. With continuous monitoring of crucial points like Panjnad and ongoing efforts to reinforce embankments, the province remains on high alert, committed to mitigating the impact of the floodwaters and safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of its citizens.
