Chief Secretary Sindh, Syed AsifHyder Shah, presided over a critical meeting on Friday to review and enhance preparations for the potential impact of heavy rains and flooding anticipated from July to September. The meeting, attended by key provincial ministers and officials, focused on devising detailed contingency plans for normal, moderate, and high flood scenarios.
Provincial Minister for Local Government SaeedGhani, Provincial Minister for Revenue and Rehabilitation MakhdoomMehboobZaman, senior members of the Board of Revenue BaqaullahUnar, Secretary Local Government Syed Khalid Hyder Shah, Secretary Information Nadeem Ur RehmanMemon, Secretary Rehabilitation WaseemShamshad, DG Rescue 1122 Dr. AbidShaikh, and representatives from the Army, Police, HESCO, and SEPCO were present. All Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, and Assistant Commissioners participated via video link. During the meeting, Provincial Minister for Revenue and Rehabilitation, MakhdoomMehboobZaman, provided a detailed briefing on the preparedness measures.
He highlighted that the region is expected to receive above-average rainfall during the monsoon season. Combined with glacial melt, this could lead to a significant influx of water—between 500,000 to 900,000 cusecs—into the Indus River, raising the risk of severe flooding. Chief Secretary Syed AsifHyder Shah emphasized the necessity for thorough and detailed contingency plans to manage potential flooding effectively. He called for the creation of specific strategies for normal, moderate, and high flood conditions to ensure that the province is well-prepared for any eventuality.
The meeting underscored the importance of coordination among various departments and agencies, including the Army, Police, HESCO, and SEPCO, to ensure a unified and effective response to any emergencies. It was also noted that all Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, and Assistant Commissioners need to be actively involved in the planning and execution of these contingency measures. Secretary Local Government Syed Khalid Hyder Shah and Secretary Rehabilitation WaseemShamshad were tasked with ensuring that all necessary resources and personnel are in place to respond promptly and efficiently to any incidents of flooding. DG Rescue 1122 Dr. AbidShaikh emphasized the need for rescue and relief operations to be well-coordinated and equipped to handle the expected challenges. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the impact of the heavy rains and potential flooding, safeguarding the lives and properties of Sindh’s residents during the upcoming monsoon season. He noted that in 2022, Padidan experienced 1026% more rainfall than usual, and Larkana saw 584% above-average rainfall.
He also mentioned that Karachi, Jamshoro, and Sukkur warehouses are stocked with 300,000 tarps, 1.9 million mosquito nets, and 572 heavy dewatering pumps. Chief Secretary Syed AsifHyder Shah instructed all departments to maintain contact with the Meteorological Department and PDMA.
