Sindh on high alert as Indus nears dangerous levels

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's severe monsoon floods have left more than 5.8 million people affected nationwide as swollen rivers hit Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and now risk Sindh.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) posted a statement on September 9 that heavy rains since late June have inundated wide areas of the country, forcing the evacuation of 2.4 million people. 

About 94,000 displaced residents are staying in 1,630 evacuation centers. At least 922 people have died and more than 1,000 have been injured, according to the National Disaster Management Authority of Pakistan (NDMA).

The crisis is particularly dire in Punjab, where rivers remain dangerously high. Authorities declared an emergency in Multan on September 9 after flooding affected some 140,000 people. The Chenab, Sutlej and Ravi rivers are running at critical levels, forcing large-scale evacuations.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, flood-affected districts are battling not only rising waters but also a surge in disease. 

More than 725 dengue cases have been confirmed in Charsadda, prompting the provincial government to deploy entomologists for containment efforts. Damage to health facilities has left thousands in need of medical assistance, OCHA reported.

Sindh is bracing for what officials warn could be a “super flood,” a large and highly destructive flood, typically involving water flows over 900,000 cusecs, especially in rivers like the Indus.

The Indus River has overflowed its banks at Guddu and Sukkur barrages, with officials on high alert as up to 800,000 cusecs of water are expected to pass through. 

In Thatta, villagers trapped by encroaching waters have turned to boats for food and supplies after Chhachh Lake overflowed, submerging several settlements, Dawn newspaper reported.

Local residents have appealed for urgent reinforcement of river dykes, with some accusing irrigation officials of neglect. 

In Larkana, authorities are working to reinforce sensitive river embankments like Moria Loop and Hakra Loop to prevent breaches, while Japan International Cooperation Agency experts are scheduled to review vulnerable sites, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.

UN announces $5 million aid 

The United Nations' Emergency Relief Coordinator announced on September 8 the release of $5 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to support urgent shelter, sanitation, health, and livestock needs.

Heavy rains are expected to continue in Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan, raising concerns about further flooding and landslides. Urban flooding warnings remain in effect for Lahore, Karachi, Hyderabad, and other major cities.

Officials have warned that as swollen rivers in the north flow toward the Arabian Sea, downstream provinces — especially Sindh — face increased risks in the days ahead.