The Chief Minister inspected some of the dykes within the Indus course that were identified as weak or most vulnerable to erosion during the passage of floodwaters through the river. He was briefed by several provincial ministers, secretaries, and senior officials of irrigation and other relevant departments, as well as Chinese and local consultants, on the flood situation and the strength of the barrages and protective bunds.
Inspects Vulnerable Dykes along Indus Course; Expresses Satisfaction over Flood-Fighting Measures
Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro and the department’s Secretary Zarif Khero informed the Chief Minister that a flow of 627,908 cusecs was currently passing through Guddu Barrage. He was assured that an even higher peak would pass through the barrage without causing any damage, as its designed capacity is 1.1 million cusecs.
Dykes’ Heights Raised by Up to 10 Feet, Officials Say
The Chief Minister was informed that the restoration of upstream and downstream guide banks, marginal banks, and spurs had been completed, and the height of the bund structures had been raised by six to ten feet. He was told that strict surveillance was being maintained at sensitive points of the bunds and canals in and around the Guddu Barrage outflows. The CM noted that the Reni Canal, Ghotki Feeder, Begari Sindh Feeder, and Desert Pat Feeder, which originate from the barrage, are crucial for irrigating Sindh’s lands.
He also pointed out that the Tori and KK bunds are the most vulnerable points. At the 18th Mile of the KK Bund, flood-fighting work is currently underway on an emergency basis. CM Murad Ali Shah directed all relevant officials to continue strict surveillance at all vulnerable and sensitive points and to ensure a 24-hour presence of flood-fighting staff.
Prime Minister Urged to Seek UN Support
Speaking to the media in Kashmore, the Chief Minister also mentioned PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s requests to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding ongoing relief efforts. He thanked the prime minister for declaring a climate and agricultural emergency as requested by the party chairman. However, he expressed regret that two other requests from Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari—to provide aid to flood victims through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and to make a flash appeal to the UN—have not yet been responded to.
‘Situation at All Embankments Satisfactory’
Mr. Shah observed that there was currently a high flood at Guddu Barrage, but Sindh was prepared to face a peak of up to 650,000 cusecs. He praised Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro and his team for their tireless work in saving people’s lives and property. He also commended cabinet ministers, lawmakers, and divisional/district administrations for their great efforts. He noted that the “situation of all the embankments is satisfactory” and praised the courage of the people living in the riverine areas, “who are bravely facing this challenge without any panic.” He also thanked the army, navy, PDM, and Rescue 1122 for their support.
Floodwater Receding
CM Shah also noted that water levels at Punjnad and rivers in Punjab were coming down, and he estimated that it will take the floodwater ten to twelve days to reach Kotri Barrage. During his inspection of Sukkur Barrage, the CM was informed that the high flood at Guddu and Sukkur barrages was expected to persist until tomorrow (September 15), after which it would begin to subside.
