Karachi on High Alert: Heavy Rains and Barrage Inflows Trigger Flood Warning
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a serious weather warning for parts of southeastern Sindh, predicting very heavy rainfall from September 7 to 10. This forecast has raised worries about potential urban flooding, particularly in low-lying coastal areas.
This upcoming rain spell is connected to a weather system that’s currently over the Gujarat-Rajasthan region in India and is moving west. According to the NDMA, this system will bring heavy, but on-and-off, rain to Sindh, parts of Balochistan, and southern Punjab until September 10. The authority also cautioned that these downpours could lead to flash floods in the mountains of Keerthar and in the streams of Lasbela and Khuzdar in Balochistan. Similarly, heavy rain is also expected to increase water levels in streams in Koh-e-Suleiman and southern Punjab.
The NDMA has advised everyone to stay away from streams and water channels during the rain. People living in low-lying areas should take precautions for their safety. The advisory also stresses the importance of following instructions from local authorities in an emergency.
Barrages Under Strain as Water Levels Rise
The Provincial Rain and Flood Emergency Monitoring Cell has noted a major change in water levels at Sindh’s main barrages, with water coming in and going out at a rapid pace.
At Trimmu Barrage, water inflow has increased dramatically, rising by 112,576 cusecs in just 12 hours to reach 488,169 cusecs, with the outflow matching the same level. The water levels at Panjnad Barrage have been holding steady at 345,047 cusecs for both inflow and outflow, which is affecting the conditions at Guddu and Sukkur barrages downstream.
Guddu Barrage has seen inflows of 366,151 cusecs and outflows of 328,487 cusecs, and a large flood wave is expected to pass through today. Authorities have warned that these changing water levels could make the situation worse in surrounding areas. As a precaution, residents near the river in Sehwan have been told to evacuate.
Sindh Excise and Taxation Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla stated that all necessary steps have been taken to manage the floodwaters, and officials are keeping a close watch on the situation. Sindh Assembly Speaker Syed Owais Qadir Shah, who visited Sukkur Barrage, said the full impact of the situation will become clearer once the flood wave reaches Panjnad and Guddu.
At Sukkur Barrage, water inflow was 329,990 cusecs and outflow was 281,985 cusecs, causing unexpected changes in water levels that are affecting nearby areas. Finally, Kotri Barrage reported inflows of 245,452 cusecs and outflows of 226,497 cusecs, which are above normal levels and are impacting the river further down.
Countrywide Flood-Related Deaths
The NDMA has also released a sad update on the human toll of the recent rains and floods across the country. So far, at least 907 people have died and 1,044 have been injured.
According to the numbers, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) has the highest number of deaths with 502, and 218 people injured. Punjab has reported 223 deaths and 654 injuries, while Sindh has seen 58 deaths and 78 injuries this monsoon season. Balochistan recorded 26 deaths and five injuries, while Gilgit-Baltistan had 41 deaths and 52 injuries from rains, flash floods, and landslides. Additionally, 38 deaths were reported in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and nine in Islamabad.
The NDMA also reported that 6,180 animals have died and 7,848 homes have been damaged due to the floods.
In a separate alert, the NDMA warned of potential urban flooding and lightning in Islamabad and northern Punjab. This is due to a strong weather system that is expected to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning to Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, and Jhelum. The authority warned that heavy rain could cause landslides in hilly areas and damage weak buildings and cause power outages. People are advised to stay away from trees and weak structures, park their cars in safe places, and avoid traveling unless it’s absolutely necessary.
