ISLAMABAD/LAHORE/ SUKKUR: Water level in the Indus River has surged sharply, with high flood reported at Guddu and Sukkur barrages, the Flood Forecasting Division has confirmed.
At Guddu, inflows reached 605,456 cusecs with outflows at 575,706 cusecs, while Sukkur recorded inflows of 571,800 cusecs and outflows of 518,120 cusecs.
The powerful surge has flooded riverine areas in Kashmore, Shikarpur, and Khairpur, submerging crops and damaging embankments. At Sukkur, the Sadhu Bela temple remains closed due to rising water level.
Over 30 villages have been inundated in Larkana as local residents resist evacuation despite growing risks. Meanwhile, displaced families near Sehwan were facing health issues, including malaria and skin diseases. The authorities said they were continuously monitoring the situation closely.
Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro said the condition of embankments was satisfactory, with 24-hour monitoring under way.
During his visit to Sukkur Barrage, Shoro said currently 570,000 cusecs of water was flowing through the barrage, which was at peak level for now.
He assured that the condition of the embankments was satisfactory and they were being monitored round the clock, adding the flow at Sukkur Barrage was expected to reach 580,000 cusecs.
The minister informed that 103 locations across the province had been identified, of which around 50 were considered sensitive. He noted that the duration of water flow was prolonged, due to which such a situation may persist for an extended period.
He assured that officers and staff of the Irrigation Department were present in the field and no negligence was being committed in monitoring the embankments.
During the visit, Project Director Pritam Das and chief engineer of Sukkur Barrage briefed the minister and the Irrigation secretary on the flood situation.
In Punjab, a flood in the Sutlej River caused widespread devastation in the Vehari district, submerging 103 villages and affecting more than 88,000 people.
Relief operations are underway by the district administration, and the majority of population has been relocated to safer areas. According to the latest data, released by the Irrigation Department, a significant decrease of 22,000 cusecs has been recorded at Head Islamwala. The current inflow at Head Islamwala is 65,324 cusecs, with an outflow of 63,224 cusecs. The inflow and outflow at Mailsi Siphon are 71,928 cusecs.
Providing details to the media, Vehari Deputy Commissioner Imrana Tauqir said 88,889 individuals across the district have been affected by floods. She confirmed that timely action by the district administration and rescue agencies led to the successful evacuation of 85,894 people from the inundated areas to safer locations. The floods have severely damaged the agricultural sector, with initial estimates indicating that crops spanning 84,719 acres have been completely destroyed. To aid the victims, 21 relief camps have been established throughout the district, currently housing 1,389 people who are being provided with food, medical facilities, and other essential supplies.
Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner Captain (retd) Arshad Iqbal visited flood relief camps in Chak 315/EB and 37/KB, where food items, milk packets for children, and fodder for livestock were distributed. Medical teams conducted check-ups and provided medicines to patients at the camps. The assistant commissioner listened to their concerns. Former parliamentarian Chaudhry Nazir Ahmad Arain, Khalid Mehmood Dogar, and DSP Burewala Rana Imran Tipu accompanied the AC.
Separately, CM Maryam Nawaz visited Uch Sharif in district Bahawalpur to review the flood situation caused by the overflowing Sutlej River. She inspected the protective dyke near Bhalla Jhalan, met affected families, and personally consoled those who lost loved ones in the floods.
At the Flood Relief Tent City, the CM hugged a grieving woman, sat with displaced families, and lifted a small girl into her lap, expressing solidarity with the victims. She also mingled with children of flood-affected families, who warmly greeted her, and distributed gifts among women and children.
Maryam inquired about the rescue and relief operations and the facilities being provided to the displaced population. She stated that the Punjab government would continue to stand by the flood victims until full rehabilitation was ensured.
The CM was briefed by the DG PDMA and deputy commissioner Bahawalpur about the situation. She was informed that: 124 villages of Bahawalpur district had been affected, impacting a population of over 117,000 people, all of whom were safely evacuated; 26 flood relief camps had been established, where 7,849 people are currently residing; 26 mobile clinics on wheels and two boat clinics are operational, treating more than 54,000 flood victims so far.
Over 68,000 cattle have been shifted to safer areas, while 113,000 livestock have been vaccinated; relief supplies for animals include 7,765 units of fodder, 48,000 kg of wheat husk, and 6,260 bags of vanda (10 kg each).
Maryam Nawaz praised the rescue teams and the administration for their efforts, stressing that saving lives and protecting livelihoods remain top priorities of her government.