KARACHI/HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah chaired a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister’s House in Karachi on Wednesday to review flood preparedness across the province, directive all relevant authorities to stay alert round the clock.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the meeting issued instructions for immediate action in the province, taking into account the recent devastation caused by floods in Punjab and the latest warnings from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
The chief Minister warned that very high flood levels are expected at the Guddu and Sukkur locations of the Indus River on September 4 and 5. All relevant authorities have been instructed to remain alert and ensure full implementation of the Provincial Monsoon Contingency Plan 2025.
Memon stated that the CM directed the divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, the PDMA, and relevant departments to be on 24-hour alert, take immediate measures to protect embankments and vulnerable communities, and ensure the availability of essential arrangements, including tents, ration bags, boats, medicines, and machinery.
The CM assigned various ministers and members of the provincial assembly to the right and left banks of the Indus River to directly monitor the condition of embankments and high-risk areas.
According to the statement, the health department was instructed to immediately deploy medical teams and carry out preventive vaccination campaigns against waterborne diseases. The KMC, local bodies, and rescue officials were directed to ensure emergency evacuations, provide heavy machinery, and arrange safe shelters.
Memon said the CM also stressed that protecting people’s lives and property is a top priority, and all institutions must maintain full coordination with the NDMA and federal authorities.
Kotri Barrage flow
A low-level flood is currently passing through the Kotri Barrage on the Indus River. According to Executive Engineer Tariq Asad Urssani, the water flow in the upstream of the barrage has increased by 6,850 cusecs over the past 24 hours.
The current upstream flow is approximately 239,000 cusecs, with the downstream rising to 211,000 cusecs. The engineer stated that more water is expected to arrive from the Punjab region in the coming days, which will further increase the flow in the river.
He mentioned that the flow from Sukkur, which recently reached a maximum of around 428,000 to 430,000 cusecs, will reach the Kotri Barrage soon. The water level in Punjab rivers has risen significantly, with the flow at the Panjnad Barrage expected to increase, which will impact the Indus River downstream.
The engineer highlighted that the Indus River’s floodplains (katcha areas) are naturally linked to the river and expected to submerge once the water level rises above 200,000 to 300,000 cusecs.
He advised residents in these low-lying areas and near embankments to move to safer locations. He also provided reassurance regarding the barrage’s capacity, noting that the Kotri Barrage was designed to handle a flow of 875,000 cusecs.
Historically, it has withstood higher floods, including a record flood in 1956 of 981,000 cusecs and another in 2010 of over 900,000 cusecs, both of which the barrage handled successfully. He confirmed that the embankments have been regularly maintained, with proper raising and pitching work done, especially after the 2010 floods.
He expressed confidence that the current water level would pass through easily. According to the officer, 7,150 cusecs was being released from the Kotri Barrage into the KB Feeder, 2,230 cusecs into Akram Wah Canal, 7,150 cusecs into the Old Phuleli Canal and 8,325 cusecs into the New Phuleli Canal.
Published in The News on August 28, 2025.