Sukkur: The spokesperson of the Sindh government and Mayor of Sukkur, Arsalan Islam Sheikh, has assured the public that despite the ongoing flood threat, no barrage in Sindh is under danger. Speaking at a press briefing, he explained that while a major flood surge is expected to enter Sindh on September 4, the provincial government has already prepared contingency measures to tackle even a super flood scenario.

Big Flood Surge Expected in Sindh

According to Sheikh, Sindh will face high flood levels once the surge enters the province. The administration has marked 36 sensitive points along embankments and riverbanks where water pressure could potentially create complications. Despite these vulnerabilities, Sheikh maintained that the protective structures have been reinforced, ensuring that no major barrage—particularly Guddu and Sukkur—is under threat of collapse or breach.

Anticipated Human and Village Impact

The mayor highlighted that around 16,000 villages and approximately 1.6 million people in Sindh are expected to be directly affected by the floods. These impacts include displacement of families, loss of livestock, damage to standing crops, and inundation of rural infrastructure. Emergency teams are preparing relief camps, while local administrations have been instructed to ensure food, water, and medical supplies for those displaced.

Capacity of Sindh’s Major Barrages

Reassuring the public, Sheikh provided details about the current carrying capacities of Sindh’s major barrages. The Guddu Barrage can manage up to 1.25 million cusecs of water, while the Sukkur Barrage has a capacity of 0.95 million cusecs. With these capacities intact, Sheikh emphasized that the floodwaters, though intense, fall within manageable limits.

He further explained that protective embankments across the province have been strengthened in anticipation of extreme pressure. According to him, these measures mean the province is well-prepared even for a super flood, should the water levels rise above forecast expectations.

Preparations for Super Flood Scenario

The Sindh government, in collaboration with disaster management authorities, has already activated flood emergency protocols. Sensitive areas have been supplied with additional machinery, heavy equipment, and manpower to counter potential breaches. “We are prepared for every eventuality. Even in the case of a super flood, Sindh will not face a barrage failure,” Sheikh stated confidently.

Conclusion

As the major flood wave approaches, the focus remains on safeguarding lives and minimizing damage. While high flood levels are inevitable, Sindh’s preparedness efforts, particularly reinforcement of protective embankments and pre-positioning of relief measures, provide a measure of reassurance.

Mayor Arsalan Islam Sheikh’s assurance that “no barrage in Sindh is under threat” serves as a calming message for a province bracing itself against one of the most challenging natural events of the season.