On Aug 30, National Disaster Management Authority gave a heavy warning that riverbeds and low lying regions in Sindh may face extreme flooding, and water flows may reach 1.2 million cusecs on Sep 12-13.
According to NDMA projection, the eastern rivers will produce powerful floodwater that will move downstream. During Sep3-4, Panjnad Headworks should travel 900,000-950,000 cusecs. In case certain embankments may be deliberately opened to minimize harm, the flow may drop to 825,000-900,000 cusecs.
Then the flood will approach Guddu Barrage, expected 800,0001.1 million cusecs on Sep 5-6. It is anticipated that there will be similar levels in Sukkur Barrage, Sep 67 and Kotri Barrage 800,000 to 1,000,000 cusecs Sep 89.
In case the maximum flow would be 1.2 million cusecs, Sindh can experience a serious flood that can threaten farms, villages, and major infrastructures. Governments have been encouraged to provide security to the vulnerable groups.
In Sukkur, Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro, and provincial minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, informed reporters that the irrigation department and district governments are at high alertness. Early warning and safety measures will be given priority so that riverbed communities are alerted at least two days before floodwaters reach Guddu Barrage as advised by Shoro.
This is further intensified by the fact that the water levels in the rivers of Punjab have sudden surges that put strain on the down stream system in Sindh. Responders are concerned that in case embankments collapse, the destruction of agricultural lands, housing, and infrastructure might be devastating.
