Major Sindh Barrages Record Sharp Inflows as Flood Alerts Issued

The water situation in Sindh has entered a critical stage, as the Major Sindh barrages report sharp increases in inflows and outflows. Authorities have warned that fluctuating water levels may worsen conditions in nearby areas, and residents in vulnerable zones are advised to take precautionary measures.

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Rising Water Levels at Barrages

At Trimmu Barrage, water inflows surged by over 112,000 cusecs in just 12 hours, reaching a massive 488,169 cusecs. Outflows were recorded at the same level, highlighting the growing strain on the system.

The Panjnad Barrage recorded stable inflows and outflows at 345,047 cusecs. However, this stability has directly impacted Guddu and Sukkur Barrages downstream, where conditions are becoming increasingly unpredictable.

• Guddu Barrage noted inflows of 366,151 cusecs and outflows of 328,487 cusecs, with officials warning of a major flood wave expected to pass.
• Sukkur Barrage reported 329,990 cusecs inflows against 281,985 cusecs outflows, affecting the water balance in surrounding areas.
• Kotri Barrage saw inflows at 245,452 cusecs and outflows at 226,497 cusecs, well above normal limits.

These unusual variations in water flow have caused concern for communities living along the riverbanks.

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Evacuations and Precautionary Measures

Authorities have already instructed residents in Sehwan’s river belt to evacuate, as rising water levels threaten villages and agricultural land. Sindh’s Excise and Taxation Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla confirmed that all arrangements to manage the flood situation have been completed, and officials are closely monitoring developments.

Sindh Assembly Speaker Syed Owais Qadir Shah, during his visit to Sukkur Barrage, said the true impact would only become clear once the flood wave fully reaches Panjnad and Guddu.

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Human Loss Due to Floods and Rains

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has reported alarming figures. So far, at least 907 people have lost their lives and more than 1,000 have been injured in flood and rain-related incidents across Pakistan.

• Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) recorded the highest fatalities with 502 deaths.
• Punjab reported 223 deaths and 654 injuries.
• Sindh saw 58 deaths and 78 injuries.
• Other regions, including Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Islamabad, also reported casualties due to landslides, flash floods, and infrastructure collapses.

Additionally, over 7,800 houses were damaged, 6,180 livestock perished, and countless families were forced to relocate.

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NDMA Weather Alerts

The NDMA has issued fresh alerts, warning of urban flooding, lightning, and heavy rainfall in parts of Islamabad, Murree, Rawalpindi, Chakwal, and Jhelum. Towering cumulonimbus clouds, fueled by intense heat, may result in severe downpours and lightning strikes.

Residents are advised to:

• Avoid unnecessary travel.
• Stay away from weak structures and tall trees.
• Park vehicles in safe locations.

Landslides in hilly areas and power outages remain major concerns in these regions.

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Tragedy in Multan: Boat Capsizes During Evacuation

In a heartbreaking incident, at least five people, including a woman and four children, lost their lives when a boat carrying flood victims capsized in Jalalpur Pirwala, Multan. Rescue 1122 confirmed that over 20 people were on board when strong water currents overturned the vessel.

Thankfully, volunteers managed to save more than a dozen passengers. However, authorities have now stressed that rescue boats must never be overloaded, whether official or private, to avoid further tragedies.

So far, more than 9,000 people have been rescued, while over 350,000 individuals and 300,000 livestock have been safely evacuated from flood-hit areas of Multan.

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Conclusion

The sharp inflows at Major Sindh barrages and the ongoing flood alerts underline the seriousness of the situation. With lives, livestock, and livelihoods at risk, authorities continue to work around the clock to manage water levels and protect communities. Residents are urged to remain cautious, follow official advisories, and prioritize safety over everything else.