Rising Indus flow submerges villages near Kotri Barrage

KARACHI: A medium-level flood continues at Kotri Barrage on the Indus River, with rising water pressure affecting settlements in the riverine (kacha) areas.

The inflow at Kotri Barrage has further increased, with water discharge reaching 407,000 cusecs, causing water levels in the Indus to rise rapidly.

As a result, several riverine villages in Thatta, including Yar Muhammad Manchhar, have been inundated, forcing residents to move towards nearby embankments. However, many people remain stranded, awaiting government assistance.

Floodwaters have also affected villages near Nawabshah, where evacuation efforts are underway. In Matiari, rising water levels have submerged more kacha areas, while villagers from Hala are relocating to safer places using boats on a self-help basis.

Meanwhile, the flow of water on the Gudu and Sukkur Barrage continues a gradual reduction.

On the other hand, the situation of rivers in Punjab has returned to normal but many districts are still affected by flood water.

The bodies of five persons were found after the flood water was removed in Jalalpur Pirwala, while the river Ravi and Chenab water started to descend from the population in Kabirwala.

According to the Flood Forecasting Division, water pressure in the Sutlej River has subsided after several weeks, with water flow returning to normal at Ganda Singh Wala and Head Sulemanki.

Only a low-level flood remains at Head Islam, where water levels are also gradually decreasing.