KARACHI: Senior Minister of southern Sindh province Sharjeel Inam Memon has warned that floodwaters entering the province in the coming days could impact as many as 1.6 million people across 1,657 villages.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, Memon said the provincial government had mobilised its resources and was taking proactive measures to manage the situation. He noted that ministers were present on the ground, and district administrations were fully engaged in the response.
His warning comes as large areas of Punjab remain submerged following severe flooding caused by rising waters in the Sutlej, Chenab, and Ravi rivers—driven by heavy rainfall and water releases from India. At least 30 people have died, and over 1.5 million have been affected in Punjab.
Relief efforts are ongoing, with around 481,000 people already evacuated from flood-affected areas to safer locations.
Memon said the Sindh government has earmarked 551 points for relief camps, with 192 rescue boats kept ready. Around 273,000 families and 167 union councils are likely to be impacted if water levels rise further. He said floodwaters could enter Sindh between 2 and 3 September.
He Memon said the Guddu barrage was currently discharging 351,000 cusecs of water, Sukkur 289,000 cusecs, and Kotri 251,000 cusecs. Guddu has a capacity of 1.2 million cusecs, Sukkur 900,00 and Kotri 600,000 cusecs, he explained. At present, the data indicate no alarming situation, and if no further heavy rains occur, conditions may remain under control.
The senior minister clarified that there is currently no immediate threat to urban centres and urged the public to avoid unnecessary speculation. He emphasised that the situation does not warrant emergency measures like requesting military assistance, as the provincial government remains fully capable of handling the crisis on its own.
Memon also said that people living in riverine areas were being sensitised, as they were the most aware of the water’s behaviour.
He further noted that 300 separate camps had been set up for livestock, while 15 districts of Sindh situated along the riverbanks were under close watch.
“Pakistan is among the countries most affected by climate change. Construction must never take place within riverbeds,” Memon remarked.
