Sindh is on high alert as Punjab floodwaters surge into the Indus River. NDMA warns of major floods in Ghotki, Kashmore, Sukkur, and other districts, with heavy rainfall predicted across southern Pakistan.
Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning that the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers are carrying exceptionally high flows. These rivers, along with the Jhelum, are now pouring into the Indus River, which cuts through the heart of Sindh before flowing into the sea.
Punjab Floods Moving Towards Sindh
After causing severe damage in Punjab, the same waves of destruction are now heading towards Sindh. The Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall on August 30 and 31 in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, and Dadu districts.
The situation is alarming because the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab are already swollen with extremely high floodwater. When this huge volume merges into the Indus, it may create a massive flood wave that could shake Sindh.
Government Preparedness
The Sindh government has declared an alert from September 1 to 3, the days when floodwaters from Punjab are expected to pass through the province. In an effort to reduce pressure, Sindh authorities have urgently requested that the spillways of Tarbela Dam remain closed.
Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon said the provincial government is fully prepared to deal with the situation. He assured that Sindh had reconstructed headworks and strengthened barriers after the devastating floods of 2022, with several projects still underway.
He also highlighted the construction of eco-friendly homes under the Peoples Housing Project for those displaced during the 2022 floods.
Districts at Risk
According to NDMA, Ghotki, Kashmore, and Sanghar are among the districts most likely to face flooding if water levels rise further. Officials have urged residents living near riverbanks to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures.
National Response
President Asif Ali Zardari has directed the Sindh government to stay prepared under all circumstances. He emphasized that all departments must coordinate to protect lives and property.
Meanwhile, NDMA senior official Dr. Tayyab Shah warned that another heavy spell of rains in northern Pakistan could further increase the flow of rivers. “This situation will soon become more critical in the southern part of Pakistan, as the flood is now moving toward Sindh,” he said at the National Emergency Response Center in Islamabad.
Will Sindh Withstand the Floodwaves?
The big question remains:
Will Sindh be able to withstand this massive flood wave, or will the province witness devastation similar to the 2010 floods?
For now, the government has promised strong action and early preparedness. But experts caution that only time will reveal whether Sindh’s floodwalls and safety measures can resist the mighty force of the Indus River.
