HYDERABAD: Sindh is preparing for a potential super flood of 900,000 cusecs in the Indus River, with Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah warning that the entire katcha (riverine) belt could be inundated. Protecting human lives, livestock, barrages, and embankments has been declared the provincial government’s top priority.
During visits to dykes and barrages in Sukkur and Larkana, CM Shah recalled the 2010 super flood, when Guddu barrage faced over 1.15 million cusecs against a preparation level of 650,000–700,000 cusecs, causing massive destruction and losses of Rs373 billion.
According to official mapping, around 459,000 people could be affected between Guddu and Sukkur if flows exceed 900,000 cusecs. The government has planned 948 relief camps, with 514 expected to be functional. Two Pakistan Navy teams are already deployed, and military assistance will be sought if needed.
Irrigation experts remain uncertain about the exact volume of water that will reach Sindh. Flows are expected to arrive at Guddu within five to six days, after passing through Punjab’s Trimu and Panjnad.
Authorities have identified six vulnerable embankments between Guddu and Sukkur, with Qadirpur Shaink in Ghotki and KK bund as most at risk. Residents of riverine villages have been urged to evacuate voluntarily.
With rehabilitation of Guddu barrage still incomplete, CM Shah directed that pending works must finish by March 2026. He expressed hope that the flood would remain below catastrophic levels but assured that the government is fully mobilized for protection and relief.
