CS Sindh warns for risk of urban flooding in major cities of province 

KARACHI: Chief Secretary Sindh Syed Asif Hyder Shah on Friday reviewed preparations for managing the potential devastation caused by heavy rains and flooding anticipated from July to September.

He instructed all departments to maintain contact with the Meteorological Department and PDMA. He directed Deputy Commissioners to convene District Disaster Management Authority meetings to prepare medium and high flood contingency plans.

He emphasized ensuring the availability of emergency equipment, machinery, dewatering pumps, and emergency staff. Furthermore, he mandated the creation of an inventory of all resources, including life jackets, boats, and rescue personnel available in each district.

Chief Secretary stressed the need for heightened awareness and preparedness due to climate change, which is causing more frequent and severe rain and flood events.

He warned of the risk of urban flooding in major cities of Sindh and instructed the Department of Relief to keep all agencies informed about weather conditions and preparedness measures.

He also emphasized informing the residents of the Indus River’s catchment areas about the situation. The Health Department was directed to declare an emergency in hospitals and ensure the availability of medicines, particularly for malaria and waterborne diseases.

Provincial Minister for Revenue and Rehabilitation, Makhdoom Mehboob Zaman, briefed on the preparedness measures, highlighting that above-average rainfall is expected during this period, which, combined with glacial melt, could bring 500,000 to 900,000 cusecs of water into the Indus River.

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Provincial Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani highlighted the inclusion of local government representatives in rehabilitation efforts. He announced that relief camps would be set up at the union council level in any emergency situation and emphasized the need to store ration, tents, and other essential supplies in district warehouses to prevent logistical issues faced during previous rains.