KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah toured several flood-affected areas, including relief camps and barrages, to review government preparations and provide reassurance to residents. He also announced that Sindh’s Agriculture Emergency Plan will be introduced next week to improve wheat cultivation and ensure food security.
During his visit, Shah said Sindh’s wheat production dropped from 4.2 million tonnes last year to 3.1 million tonnes this year.
However, he assured that the province has enough wheat reserves to meet demand until March. “We are finalizing a plan for wheat growers to improve cultivation and secure the province’s food supply,” he said.
At Sukkur Barrage, Shah briefed the media about the flood situation. He said current water inflows are between 650,000 and 700,000 cusecs, lower than the 1.1 to 1.2 million cusecs earlier predicted by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
He added that the government had prepared for the higher estimate to ensure safety. Irrigation officials have been stationed in Sukkur for the past two weeks for round-the-clock monitoring.
Shah outlined three main priorities of the provincial government:
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Saving lives
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Protecting vital infrastructure
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Strengthening embankments
He said embankments have been raised eight to ten feet above the river level, and teams have been deployed at all vulnerable points. He added that most casualties were not directly related to the flooding and that strong measures are being taken to prevent further loss of life.
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The chief minister urged the federal government to provide direct financial aid to flood victims through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). He also appealed for international help, stressing that climate change has worsened disasters like these.
He informed that Sindh already has sufficient relief goods, medical camps, and livestock vaccination programs in place. Over 107,000 animals have been vaccinated since July, with continued care being provided to the 156,000 animals affected in Kachho.
Rescue efforts by the Pakistan Navy and Rescue 1122 have evacuated more than 2,000 people from Ali Wahan village alone. Mobile dispensaries from the Peoples Primary Health Initiative are also providing medical care to displaced families.
Shah personally inspected Sukkur Barrage, where the water level stood at 500,000 cusecs, classified as a high flood. He was briefed by Chinese engineers about the installation of 16 new gates under the ongoing rehabilitation project.
High water flows are expected to continue at Sukkur and Guddu barrages until today (Monday), while Kotri Barrage is expected to receive 400,000 cusecs by September 21.
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In Kashmore, Shah said that three million people had been safely evacuated with the help of rescue agencies. He praised their work and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protect lives.
At Guddu Barrage, officials reported a discharge of 627,908 cusecs, well below its maximum capacity of 1.1 million cusecs. Vulnerable points, including Tori Bund and KK Bund, are being closely monitored and reinforced.
Shah also inspected infrastructure projects under the Sindh Barrages Improvement Project, funded by the World Bank, which includes replacing gates and upgrading critical structures.
He thanked the people of Sindh, especially farmers and residents of flood-prone areas, for their resilience and cooperation. “We have faced such challenges before and will overcome this one as well through unity and determination,” he said.
