SUKKUR/LAHORE: The Indus River continues to swell dangerously at Sukkur and Guddu Barrages, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warning that a high flood level will persist for several days.
At Guddu Barrage, inflows have crossed 612,000 cusecs, while outflows are near 583,000 cusecs. The water level has surged by 70,000 cusecs in just 24 hours, causing extensive flooding in kutcha areas.
Hundreds of villages near Kandhkot and along riverbanks have been submerged, displacing families and destroying crops and livestock. More than 15 villages in Kamaldero’s riverine belt have gone completely under water, cutting off ground access and leaving residents stranded. In Mahi’s kutcha belt, houses and hundreds of acres of standing crops have been washed away. Villagers are constructing makeshift embankments on a self-help basis to save their settlements.
At the SN protective embankment, flows have exceeded 400,000 cusecs, putting severe pressure on the dyke. In Kandiaro taluka, over 40 villages are now surrounded by water, creating hardships for the local population. The affected communities have appealed for immediate government relief and safe relocation.
Meanwhile, the temporary embankment near the Kandhkot-Ghotki bridge has been washed away by strong currents, allowing floodwaters to advance towards the protective dyke. In Kashmore’s kutcha areas, more than 200 villages have been inundated, cutting off road access. With no formal rescue operations launched so far, villagers have begun migrating on their own and demanded urgent evacuation of the stranded population and livestock.
Near Buxapur, a breach developed in the Khahi canal branch, with floodwaters now heading towards a gas pipeline and nearby settlements. Irrigation officials have yet to reach the site.
In Ghotki, the management of the Qadirpur gas field confirmed that floodwaters have reached the platforms of several wells. Officials reported that waters have entered the ERW system in Block-VI, submerging 10 wells. As a result, gas production has been suspended for the past two days. The ERW platform — untouched during the 2010 super flood — has now been impacted. The Qadirpur field remains one of Pakistan’s largest gas reserves.
Commissioner Sukkur Division Abid Saleem Qureshi has directed administrative officers of Sukkur, Khairpur, and Ghotki to prepare detailed lists of kutcha villages inundated when Guddu Barrage touched 633,000 cusecs and Sukkur Barrage reached 540,000 cusecs. He stressed that union council-wise data on partially and fully submerged settlements, and the population that migrated with their livestock, should be compiled with the help of revenue staff, locals, police, and social organisations.
The commissioner said this data will be vital for future rescue and relief operations. Administrative officers of all three districts assured compliance, while Commissioner Qureshi also indicated that water levels at Guddu Barrage might begin to decline from this evening.
Separately, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Monday visited Alipur, a tehsil of Muzaffargarh, one of the worst-hit areas by recent flooding, to review relief efforts and express solidarity with affected families.
During her visit, she toured flood-hit areas of Alipur city and inspected the flood relief camp established at Government High School Alipur. She personally handed over financial assistance cheques to families who lost their loved ones in the devastating floods. Interacting warmly with victims, she assured them that the Punjab government would provide full redress of damages and ensure their complete rehabilitation at the earliest.
In a symbolic gesture of compassion, Maryam served food from a ‘degh’ herself and distributed meals among women and children. She also sat with flood-hit women to share a meal. Several young girls hugged her and expressed their affection, while fulfilling the wish of one child, she played cricket at the camp, bowled a few deliveries and cheered the child’s batting.
Maryam also visited a temporary classroom set up in the camp, spoke light-heartedly with children, and inquired about their studies. She reviewed the facilities being provided at the camp, including food, medical aid and other necessities, and distributed gifts among flood-affected families. She expressed special gratitude to the Pakistan Navy for its active support in rescue and relief operations.
Briefing the chief minister, the deputy commissioner and DG PDMA said 147 villages of Muzaffargarh district had been badly affected, impacting over 394,000 people. Alipur tehsil was among the hardest hit, with 26 villages submerged. A total of 37 flood relief camps and eight tent cities have been established for displaced families.
Reaffirming her government’s commitment, Maryam said Punjab stands firmly with flood victims and will ensure their complete rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, upon her return to Lahore, the chief minister dispatched relief goods for Gaza. Pakistan is sending 100 tons of food items, including 32 essentials, for the Palestinian people. “The hearts of Pakistanis beat with their Palestinian brothers and sisters. Every sensitive heart is disturbed by the atrocities on innocent Muslims of Gaza,” she said.