06 August 2005

Water level drops at Guddu, Sukkur Barrages in Indus

SUKKUR: In the wake of receding water at Guddu and Sukkur Barrages in Indus, floods tamed down to low level and the rivers in these areas have shrunk to their normal flow.

The main thrust of the floods was now passing through Hala and will roar through Kotri Barrage sometime today.

Irrigation Department’s Sukkur control room told that the flooding outbursts were fast approaching Kotri Barrage, where now medium level flood was recorded. At Guddu Barrage, upper level of water was recorded at 3,56,700 cusecs and that at lower level 3,27,100 cusecs, sources said.

Water level at Sukkur Barrage has also narrowed down to record its upper level at 3,40,400 cusecs, while 2,79,045 cusecs of water was being released from here for Kotri Barrage, where water level was fast shooting up and the river embankments between Sukkur and Kotri Barrages have come under severe pressure of flooding water. 

Upper level of water at Kotri Barrage stood at 3,00,735 cusecs, while 2,74,283 cusecs of water was being discharged from here to the sea.

 05 August 2005

Indus to enter into medium flood during next 24 hours
 
LAHORE: The river Kabul is in medium flood at Nowshera with falling tendency while the river Indus is likely to enter into medium flood state at Kotri during next 24 hours.

Indus is in low flood at Tarbela, Chashma, Guddu and Sukkur with falling tendency . It is also in low flood at Kalabagh and Taunsa with steady tendency.

The river Chenab is in low flood at Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad while Ravi is in low flood at Balloki. 

According to a Met report issued on Friday, a well marked  monsoon low over southern Behar has moved in northwesterly direction and today lies over northeastern Madhya Pradesh, India. 

A westerly wave is moving across Kashmir. Seasonal low lies over northeastern Balochistan. Monsoon current from Arabian Sea is reaching Punjab.

Isolated thunderstorm/rain has been forecast for upper catchment as well as lower catchment areas of all the rivers.

Indus water going down at Guddu 

SUKKUR: Indus water discharge constantly receding at Guddu Barrage while medium level flood was recorded at Kotri Barrage. 
According to the Flood Control Centre Sindh the upstream discharge at Guddu Barrage was recorded 363,371 cusecs. The down stream discharge at the Barrage was 333,741 cusecs.

Meanwhile, Indus was fast receding at Sukkur Barrage where the maximum discharge was 350,321 cusecs.

Indus was flowing in medium flood at Kotri Barrage with upstream discharged recorded at 294,833 cusecs, while downstream discharge was 274,283 cusecs. 

Meanwhile, flood victims of over 60 villages inundated in the Katcha area have complained that no official relief was provided to them.

20 villages submerge in Indus flood near Nawabshah 

NAWABSHAH: Indus floodwater has submerged 20 villages near Nawabshah, Geo TV reported on Friday. 

Indus floodwater inundated several villages in Katcha area of Qazi Ahmed and Daulatpur. Flood victims were vacating their houses and moving towards safer places. 

Water level in the river constantly rising, as administration has setup relief camps for the flood victims, said executive engineer Irrigation Dadu. 

Indus maintaining constant level at Guddu Barrage

SUKKUR: Indus was maintaining a constant level at Guddu Barrage where there was no change in the discharge during last 24 hours.

According to a spokesman of Irrigation Department here on Thursday, the upstream discharge at 6.00pm was recorded 366,776 cusecs whereas the same discharge was recorded at 6.00pm on Wednesday.

The down stream discharge at Guddu Barrage was 337,262 cusecs, the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, Indus was fast receding at Sukkur Barrage where the maximum discharge at 6.00pm on Thursday was 357,700 cusecs while the down stream was 299,110 cusecs.
The figures showed a decline of some 36,000 cusecs at the Sukkur Barrage during last 24 hours.

The spokesman said that there was some fresh addition of releases from upcountry at Guddu Barrage, which was the reason of riverís constant pattern on Wednesday and Thursday.

However, in Sukkur the flow was declining and normalcy has returned in the flood affected areas of Sukkur, and Khairpur districts, he said.

He said there is low flood at Guddu and Sukkur barrages and the river is likely to further decline in the next few days.

Meanwhile, Superintending Engineer (SE) Sukkur Barrage, Muhammad Haroon Memon has said all is well in his area, where all vulnerable bunds are being patrolled round the clock by the Irrigation Department personnel.

He said that water level was declining at the Sukkur Barrage at a good pace and ruled out the likelihood of flood threat in the coming days.

Memon said that the flood victims were being provided food and medicines at the relief camps of Sukkur, Rohri and Panno Aqil by the district authorities.

Enough stock of medicines, including anti-snake serum was also available at the mobile medical clinics being run by the district Health Department, he said. Regarding the casualties in the current monsoon season, he said, they had been negligible, because most of the residents of Katcha areas had been evacuated well before the commencement of the flood period.

He indicated a prospective period for crops in the entire Katcha area, which always depended on rains and floods.

He mentioned the unhindered river flow at the Bay No 1, 2 & 3 of Sukkur Barrage, which was facilitated due to the timely completion of its rehabilitation by the Army engineers and the FWO in April last.

Had it not been done, the present flood which passed up to six lakh cusecs through Sukkur Barrage would have posed a major threat to the irrigation system of Sukkur Barrage, he added.

He said that the rehabilitation work had also been successfully tested in the current flood season, which proved the quality of the Army engineersí work.

 04 August 2005

Flood water level at Sukkur, Guddu lowering

SUKKUR: Water level in Indus river at Sukkur and Guddu barrages is decreasing while middle level flood has been recorded at the Kotri barrage, said Flood Control Center Sindh.

According to details, the water upper level at Guddu barrage was recorded at 3066000 cusecs, while below level at 303700 cusecs respectively. However, the water flow at the Sukkur barrage was reported at 209900 cusecs.

Medium level flood was recorded at the Kotri barrage, with water flow of 207400 cusecs and upper water level at 209200 cusecs. 

On the other side, no aid has been received as yet by victims of around 60 flood-hit villages of low-lying areas of Khairpur Sukkur, Shikarpur, and Larkana districts.

Indus in medium flood at Sukkur, Guddu

SUKKUR: Indus was flowing in medium flood at both Sukkur and Guddu barrages as water fast receding at both places. 

In Sukkur, Khairpur, Larkana and Shikarpur districts 60 villages of the Katcha area were submerged and crops standing at thousands of acres were destroyed. The authorities have been failed to provide relief to the flood victims in Katcha area. 

According to the Irrigation Department Control Room here, there was medium flood at both the Guddu and Sukkur barrages and the water level was likely to decline further in the coming days. On Thursday upstream discharge at the Guddu barrage was 3,66,844 cusecs and 337,262 cusecs downstream. At the Sukkur barrage, upstream discharge was 361,541 cusecs and 3,04,641 cusecs being released to downstream for Kotri barrage. 

The river water level at Kotri barrage rising constantly, as Indus water discharge at upstream was recorded at 2,76,100 cusecs, while 2,74,200 cusecs water being released in downstream to the sea. 

03 August 2005

Indus water level at Kotri Barrage continues to rise

SUKKUR: Indus water level at Kotri Barrage kept persistently soaring, while medium level food witnessed at Guddu and Sukkur Barrages, however, water level at Guddu Barrage was fast receding. 

Sindh Flood Control Centre told that Guddu Barrage’s water flow at its peak was recorded at 3,70,648 cusecs, while at the lower level at 3,43,548 cusecs. Water flow at Sukkur Barrage stood at 3,97,044 cusecs and the water level at Kotri Barrage continued swelling to 2,76106 cusecs at peak flow, while 2,74,255 cusecs of water is being discharged from here to the sea.

Scores of villages in Khairpur, Chak, Ranipur and other adjoining areas have submerged in floodwater and residents of the area were seen shifting to safer places. 

Indus in medium flood at Sukkur, Guddu

SUKKUR: The Indus river was fast receding at both Sukkur and Guddu barrages and during the last 24 hours level at Sukkur and Guddu barrages came down by 15,000 and 24,000 cusecs respectively. According to a spokesman of the Irrigation Department here, there was medium flood at both the Guddu and Sukkur barrages and the water level was likely to decline further in the coming days. On Tuesday upstream discharge at the Sukkur barrage was 400,000 cusecs and 338,500 cusecs downstream. At the Guddu barrage, upstream discharge was 376,400 cusecs and 348,000 cusecs downstream. Meanwhile, the Indus at Attock, Punji, Ghambila River at Gambella bridge and Kaitu river at Spinwarm with water flow of 354,300 cusec, 244,200 cusec, 1,049 and 1,187 cusecs were in low flood. The Kurram river at Kurram Ghari Headworks and the Swat river at Amandara were in normal flood, discharging 2,614 cusecs and 17,026 cusecs, respectively.

Two more drown as Indus flood inundates Khairpur village

KHAIRPUR: Two more people were drowned as floodwater inundated village Khanan Naraijo and village Nouraja of the Katcha area of Khairpur.

Reports said girl Sanam drowned, when water of the Indus inundated village Khanan Naraijo in the limits of the police station Landhyon, and Imam Dino Shaikh drowned
in the floodwater in Nouraja in the limits of Ripri police station.

The nearby protective bund was eroded by the floodwater, inundating more villages of the Katcha area of Khairpur and Sobhadero, Kingri, Saghyoon were under threat of flood within 24 hours.

The level of floodwater of the Indus has increased and there is possibility of grave destruction, because climate is bad and rain with strong wind is expected in Khairpur.

EDO Revenue Khairpur said all arrangements of meeting any emergency have been upgraded, while small boats have been placed at the protective bunds. Cranes and other machinery were strengthening the bunds, he said.

He said Irrigation, Police and Revenue personnel were patrolling the bunds.

Meanwhile, two girls drowned in Faiz Wah near Khairpur on Tuesday. Reports said Saira and Seema of village Maleeha Shaikh Khairpur were playing at the bank of Faiz Wah, when they fell in the canal and drowned. Divers were making hectic efforts to retrieve the bodies till the filing of this report.

                                           02 August 2005


Floodwater inundates villages near Khairpur

KHAIRUR: One man drowned as floodwater of the river Indus inundated villages Ehsan Chano and Ali Bakhsh Saroie in Khairpur near Landyoon.

Continuous pressure of the Indus water increased in the Katcha area of Khairpur at Mujahid Bund and on Monday Shameem Ali Shah drowned when breach occurred in Mujahid Bund near police station Landyoon.

However, as floodwater inundated Ehsan Chano and Ali Bakhsh Saroie villages hundreds people were being shifted to safer places.

Hundreds of acres of farmland with crops of cotton and Jawar submerged in floodwater and affected villagers were just rescuing their lives, while their cattle and wheat stocks were washed away.

Relief camps have been set up and weakened Bunds were being strengthened with cranes and machines. Villagers have demanded compensation for the lost crops and cattle.

Agencies add: The Met Office on Monday forecast rain with thunderstorm at scattered places of Sindh, Punjab, eastern Balochistan, Hazara division, and Kashmir during the next 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the river Indus was flowing at a moderate level at the Sukkur barrage, while at Guddu barrage, it was in a low flood position.

According to figures released by the irrigation officials here, the upstream discharge at the Sukkur barrage at 6 pm on Monday was 410,610 cusecs and the downstream 350,503 cusecs. A fall of more than 30,000 cusecs was recorded at the as compared to the figures of July 31, 2005 as the upstream discharge remained 440,000 cusecs.

Meanwhile, at the Guddu barrage upstream discharge on Monday was 399,468 cusecs as compared to 413,000 cusecs recorded on Sunday at 6 pm.

Irrigation department officials were of the view that the river was now fast receding, and as such ruled out likelihood of further rise in the level in the coming days.

According to them, all vulnerable bunds of Sukkur and Guddu barrages were intact, and the irrigation staff was looking-after them round-the-clock.

There was a breach in the Madeji’s Warah canal on Sunday, about 60 km off the Sukkur barrage, which caused inundation of hundreds of acres of farmland in a vast area. The breach was filled by the area people with the help of irrigation staff.

  01 August 2005

Indus floodwater moving to Kotri; water level dropped at Guddu

SUKKUR: Indus floodwater moving towards Kotri Barrage and the water at Guddu going down rapidly. Meanwhile, the protective embankments from Sukkur Barrage to Bhanot Bund are under strict vigilance.

Chief Engineer Irrigation at Sukkur Mohammed Nawaz Memon has stated that the water level at Guddu Barrage was dropped to 3,99,513 cusecs, while 3,72,721 cusecs being released for the Sukkur Barrage.

The upstream water flow in Indus at Sukkur Barrage was recorded 4,14,611 cusecs, while the downstream water level was 3,55,061 cusecs.

The floodwater was constantly rising at the Kotri Barrage with 2,63,956 cusecs were recorded at upstream, while 2,33,986 cusecs water being discharged from the barrage for the sea.

The protective embankments from Sukkur Barrage to Bhanot Bund are under strict vigilance of the irrigation officials, as the flood flow was advancing to the Kotri Barrage. 

31 July 2005

Floodwater hits Nawabshah villages

NAWABSHAH: The flood peak has started crossing the district’s limits and almost the entire Katcha area has come under water due to which the crops cultivated in the riverine area have also submerged. Floodwater has hit land from Lakhat point to Mud Bund and S M Bund. It was learnt that villages Pir Noor Shah, Rahi Jatoi, Hamzo Jatoi, Darya Khan and Mahi village were surrounded by river water while crops cultivated on thousands of acres were also surrounded by floodwater and villagers were trying to save their villages by erecting embankments around it on a self-help basis.

30 July 2005

Water level at Guddu, Sukkur Barrage fall 

SUKKUR: The water levels at Guddu and Sukkur Barrage in Indus dropped down to medium level flood, while the relief work in flood hit Rojhan of Rajanpur area was in progress. 

Upper level of water at Guddu Barrage remained at 4,36,095 cusecs and lower level at 4,55,403 cusecs, while at Sukkur Barrage upper level at 4,55403 cusecs and water outflow from here for Kotri at 3,95,297 cusecs were recorded. 

Kotri Barrage’s water level stood at 2,50,752 cusecs, while 2,33662 cusecs water is being released from here for the sea. 

On the other hand, relief work in the flood-affected areas at Rojhan of Rajanpur is in progress besides the government of Punjab by declaring Rajanpur a calamity-hit area has granted concessions in payment of land revenues.  

Thatta, Badin districts brace for floods

THATTA: Rains were reported in Jati, Sujawal and coastal areas and low rains in Thatta and Mirpursakro subdivisions on Friday.

The neighbouring Badin district also received first spell of monsoon rain starting Thursday night. The towns that received the rains included Golarchi, Kadhan, Khoski, Talhar and coastal areas.

The weather has turned pleasant in both the districts, while the Met Office has forecast heavy rains with thunderstorm in the coastal belt.

The DCOs in these districts have cancelled the leave of officials of all public departments. The Thatta district administration has declared emergency in the district. Emergency relief centres have been established in the DCO offices to face any eventuality as a result of expected heavy rain and flood.

The Katcha area in the Indus delta has been inundated and water has touched the embankments at several places. However, according to irrigation authorities, there was no imminent danger to bunds. "The embankments of the Indus river are under constant vigilance and the staff have been posted at all vulnerable points," Thatta DCO Mohammad Usman Panhwar told newsmen in his office. About 225,000 cusecs were flowing downstream of Kotri, he said, adding: "The Irrigation Department has taken all measures for protection of bunds and the staff of revenue and other concerned departments were assisting them."

Panhwar said about 8,000 bags of wheat flour were available with the Food Department to meet relief operation during any emergency in the district.

"Some 500 boats are also available in the coastal areas for rescue operation in case of high floods," he said, adding that the Navy and the Army were also on alert.

Usman said the drains were clean and fetching the water from lands toward the sea. He said the Upper KB Feeder and Piniyari canals were closed for four days, so as to decrease the water pressure on the main irrigation canals and branches.

He added the Health Department has specially been equipped with all necessary drugs and materials.

Agencies add from Hyderabad: A state of high alert has been declared in Hyderabad, Thatta and Badin districts and adjoining areas after a forecast of thundershowers by the Meteorological Department.

Irrigation Department has closed four canals and leaves of staff of all concerned departments have been cancelled. They have been directed to join their duties immediately.

DCO Hyderabad directed the EDOs of works and services, education, officials of the Hesco, irrigation department, Wasa, HDA, and building control department to put their staff on alert in order to tackle any emergency situation during the rains.

The DCO informed a meeting that control rooms in various departments have been established to work round-the-clock to facilitate the people.

He directed the officials of irrigation department to keep patrolling and monitoring the situation at all protective bands and canals round-the-clock.

                                                    29 July 2005



Floodwater submerged 10 villages in Sukkur Katcha area

HYDERABAD: Floodwater inundated ten villages of Katcha area, adjacent to Chak town in Sukkur.

District government has declared high alert in Hyderabad, Badin and adjoining areas after thundershowers forecast by Metrological department. 

Irrigation department have closed the four canals and holidays of staff of all concerned departments have been cancelled and they are directed to join their duties on immediate basis. Residents of Hyderabad, Badin and Thatta being directed to shift at safer places.

The decision was taken during a meeting headed by DCO Hyderabad Muhammad Hussain Syed.

He directed the EDO’s of works and services, education, hesco, irrigation department, wasa HDA, building control department HDA to put their staff on alert in order to tackle any emergency situation during rains. Residents

DCO Hyderabad informed the meeting that control rooms in various departments have been established on 24 hours service basis to facilitate the people.


Following are the phone numbers of different control rooms:

DCO control room: 9200115-6
EDO revenue control room: 9200644
Director building control: 9200217
WASA control room: 636032,9240173
Hesco control room: 9240005-6, 9200005,865871
Sui gas control room: 9240021-4 and 119
EDO health control room: 9200740 and 9200377


Medium flood in Indus at Guddu and Sukkur

SUKKUR: Indus was constantly in medium flood at Guddu and Sukkur but the peak flow of the river moving towards Kotri Barrage after passing the two upper Sindh barrages. 

According to the Irrigation Department Control Room at Sukkur, upstream water flow at Guddu Barrage was recorded 4,44,984 cusecs on Friday, while the downstream water flow in the river was 4,14,548 cusecs. 

The Indus water discharge at upstream Sukkur Barrage was 4,77, 580 cusecs, while the downstream flow at the barrage was recorded at 4,16,310 cusecs. 

River water level was constantly rising at Kotri Barrage, as the upstream flow of the Indus was recorded at 2,41,586 cusecs, while 2,26,946 cusecs water being released to the sea. 

Water level was also going down in Indus at Taunsa.


Seven Khairpur villages flooded

KHAIRPUR: Seven villages of the Katcha area of Khairpur have been submerged by the floodwater.

Reports reaching here from Sghyoon and Baberloi said Fareedabad, Ulra and Jamsher bunds of the Katcha area of Khairpur are under threat of breaches.

The following villages were inundated: Soomar Mallah, Jighar Mallah, Sajaan Mahesar, Huzoor Bakhsh Junejo, Baradi Jatoi, Majid Jalbani and Zaheer Khan Ghumro, while the bunds were being eroded by the floodwater continuously.

The residents suffered losses of millions of rupees as floodwater destroyed their crops and houses.

The villagers tried to rescuing themselves by constructing small protective bunds that were surrounded by floodwater and their food stocks including wheat and other items were washed away.

The irrigation authorities failed to provide relief to them and they informed the army. They demanded urgent strengthening of the above bunds to forestall breaches.

PPI adds from Lahore: The Lahore Met office on Thursday forecast scattered moderate to heavy rainfall with one or two very heavy falls over lower and eastern Sindh. Scattered light to moderate rain may also occur over Kashmir, northern and north-eastern and central Punjab and Malakand divisions.

Meanwhile, the Lahore Flood Forecasting Division said river Indus at Guddu and Sukkur and river Kabul at Nowshera were still in medium flood but the water level was falling.





                                                    27 July 2005


Water level slightly up at Sukkur barrage

SUKKUR: Water level at the Sukkur barrage increased slightly during last 12 hours where the maximum upstream discharge was recorded 508,937 cusecs and the down stream 447,407 cusecs, measured at 6.00am and 12.00 noon on Tuesday.

According to the Irrigation department sources, the upstream flow at Guddu barrage at the same time was 503,655 cusecs and down stream was 470,618 cusecs.

The water level remained constant at the Sukkur barrage, they said, while at Guddu barrage the level has considerably declined by 22,000 cusecs during last 12 hours.

The level recorded at the Guddu Barrage upstream on July 25, was 525,282 cusecs now gone down to 503,655 cusecs.

Meanwhile talking to APP here, Superintending Engineer (SE) Sukkur barrage, Muhammad Haroon Memon said that due to sufficient flow, all the seven canals of the barrage were getting supply almost up to their capacity, which, he observed, would have a positive impact on the crops.

He said that the timely repairs and rehabilitation of the Sukkur Barrage in the beginning of 2005 had been instrumental in the smooth flow of Indus, especially through the area of Bay No 1, 2 & 3 damaged in 2004.

He said that the current flow of flash flood has proved a test case for the retrieved area of Sukkur Barrage near Bay No 1, 2 & 3. He expressed satisfaction over the positive results thereby achieved.

Regarding the vulnerable protective bunds in the Sukkur Barrage command area, the SE Sukkur Barrage said they were intact, and the irrigation department personnel were keeping a vigilant eye on them round the clock.

He said the Sukkur Barrage had the capacity to pass a maximum flow up to 12 lakh cusecs, and in 1976 more than 1,100,000 cusecs had safely flown through the barrage.

He said that the crisis period had almost passed, and was confident that no untoward situation would come up in the coming weeks, as the Indus flow would be gradually going down in this period.




                                                             26 July 2005     

Over 300 hamlets flooded in Sukkur, Guddu Katcha area

SUKKUR: More than 300 hamlets of the Katcha area between Guddu and Sukkur barrages have been inundated since Sunday night, while seven children drowned in the floodwater in different villages.

Sources said that due to increase in water level in the river Indus between the command area of Guddu and Sukkur barrages, floodwater has entered hundreds of houses of Daulatpur town.

The children, who drowned in the floodwater, included Qabil, 6, Deedar Ali, 5, and Mir Hassan, 7, of village Hazaro; Rabia, 5, of village Hiruddin Tart, Inam Khan, 8, of village Dodo Garhi, Ditto, 7, of village Farid, and Bachi, 6, of village Kosh. Bodies of only Bachi and Mir Hassan were recovered.

The affected hamlets included Deh Khabar, Deh Kabeer, Deh Bhayo, Deh Faiz Abad, Deh Mureed Abad, Deh Daulatpur, Deh Masoo Wala, Deh Ghelpur, Deh Mando, Deh Ali Abad and others.

Irrigation department sources said water level in the river Indus was receding at Guddu barrage, and added that the Qadirpur loop Bund near Ghotki, 18 mile and 21 mile of KK Bund, Makhwani Bund near Kandhkot and Guddu and Mehmood Bunds near Shikarpur were under pressure, but these Bunds have already been strengthened.

The sources said on Monday Guddu was receding and discharge upstream Guddu barrage was 515,448 cusecs, and downstream 482,411 cusecs.

At the Sukkur barrage, water level was increasing and upstream the discharge was 508,427 cusecs and downstream it remained 447,407 cusecs. At the Kotri barrage discharge upstream was 188,350 cusecs and downstream it was 150,308 cusecs.

Our Hyderabad correspondent adds: The second flow of flood will pass Kotri barrage on Aug 1 and its discharge will be around three lakh cusecs.

Chief Engineer Kotri Barrage, Manzoor Ahmed Sheikh told The News that due to melting of ice the water was rising rapidly and the water which left Guddu barrage has reached Sukkur barrage.

He said the first flow of water has passed easily from Kotri barrage. He said the water level had once again started increasing at Kotri barrage due to increase of water level at the Sukkur barrage.

The flash flood safely passed from the Guddu barrage on Sunday night.

The superintending engineer, Sukkur Barrage, Muhammad Haroon Memon, claimed that all protective Bunds in the Sukkur barrage area were intact and the department had undertaken maximum measures for protecting them from any possible erosion or breach. Sand bags and stones were being dumped to further strengthen the vulnerable sites of the Bunds, he said.

He said the people from flood-affected areas had also been safely evacuated to relief camps of Sukkur, Rohri and Pano Aqil where the district authorities were providing them food and medicines.

He said the rehabilitation of the Sukkur barrage by the Army engineers had been largely instrumental in the smooth flow of over 5 lakh cusecs of water through the barrage.

The SE said the current flood and monsoon season had proved "a blessing in disguise," as it would benefit the farming community of the riverine area.

                                                   25 July 2005                              

Indus keeps on high flood at Guddu 

SUKKUR: Indus river flow at Guddu Barrage persists at high flood but the water level dropping down, while the water level was rising at Sukkur Barrage.

Meanwhile, water discharge in Taunsa Barrage at Kot Addu was also dropped. 

Water level at Guddu upstream was recorded at 5,25,282 cusecs, while at downstream 4,93, 005 cusecs were being discharged to Sukkur. L.M Bund along the Indus at Guddu was strengthened with stone pitching to save nearby villages. 

Indus water level at Sukkur Barrage has climbed to 5,08, 427 cusecs at upstream, while the downstream flow was recorded at 4,47,407 cusecs.

Indus water level at Kotri Barrage was 1,88,366 cusecs.

Meanwhile, Indus water level in Taunsa Barrage at Kot Addu was further dropped to 3,72,802 cusecs, while water discharge in Chenab at Punjnad Headworks, was recorded at 70,215 cusecs.

Meanwhile, Indus floodwater has inundated several link roads in Kot Sultan, Qasba Juman Shah and adjacent areas in Layyah district. A breach in Geerani river Bund in Rajanpur has affected several villages, while erosion in Kucha Chauhan protective Bund was also reported. 



                                                   
                                                         24 July 2005  



Indus rises to high flood at Guddu Barrage

SUKKUR: Indus river flow at Guddu Barrage has been reached to high flood level with 5,15,870 cusecs, while medium flood in the river was recorded at Sukkur.

According to the Flood Control Centre Sindh, water level was constantly rising at Guddu, while at Sukkur Barrage water level in the Indus was 4,01, 231 cusecs.

Indus water level at Kotri Barrage was 1,99,000 cusecs and more water being released to the downstream.

Meanwhile, Indus water level at Naushehra and Chashma has climbed to the high flood level, as 1,49,000 cusecs water flowing at Naushehra, while 3,80,000 cusecs were recorded at Taunsa. 

Water discharge at Punjnad Headworks was 82,324 cusecs, while the Indus river level was going down at Kot Addu.

Meanwhile, flood relief operations were underway in Rajanpur and Umarkot villages hit by the floodwater. 

According to the Peshawar Flood Control Centre, high flood was recorded in Chitral, Punjgur, Shah Alam and Khyali rivers at the northern areas. Swat river was also flowing at high flood at Munda Headworks. 

23 July 2005  

High flood in Indus at Guddu 

SUKKUR: Indus is flowing at the high flood level at Guddu Barrage, as the water level in the river was constantly on rise. 

Floodwater level went down at Taunsa Barrage in Kot Addu area of Muzaffargarh to 4,11,022 cusecs. Water discharge in Chenab at Punjnad Headworks was also dropped to 22,000 cusecs. 

Authorities were still unable to plug the breach in Geerani Bund at Rojhan Mazari in Rajanpur Tehsil. The water gushing from the breach has inundated several villages in vicinity of Kotla, Gulsher, Sanjani and Umarkot. 

Indus water level at Guddu Barrage upstream was gauged at 5,48,147 cusecs, while 5,15,870 cusecs water being released to Sukkur.

Water level also on rise at Sukkur Barrage with medium flood in the river, as the water graph was recorded 4,13,950 cusecs on Saturday, Irrigation Department Control Room officials at Sukkur said. While 3,52,720 cusecs water was released in Sukkur Barrage downstream to Kotri. 

Indus water flow at Kotri Barrage upstream was unchanged at 2,06,200 cusecs since last 36 hours and 1,68,000 cusecs being discharged to the sea through the Indus delta. 

The rising water level at Guddu and Sukkur Barrage causing more pressure at the Qadirpur Loop Bund and Aqil-Agani Bund. The irrigation department has tightened monitoring of the river Bunds in the province. 

Indus in high flood at Guddu

SUKKUR: Indus was in high flood at Guddu barrage while the situation at Sukkur Barrage was of a medium flood on Friday evening.

Upstream discharge at Guddu barrage was recorded 522,451 cusecs and the downstream 490,173 cusecs which showed an increase by 37,651 cusecs during last 24 hours, said an Irrigation Department spokesman here on Friday.

According to the spokesman, Sukkur barrage was experiencing a medium flood where the up-stream discharge was 408,927 cusecs and the downstream 347,957 cusecs, indicating an increase of 27,427 cusecs during last 24 hours.

The water level at both the spots was likely to register a slight increase and the flesh flood had already passed without posing any threat.

Caretaker district government and DCO Sukkur, Shafiq Ahmed Khoso, told APP that all the vulnerable Bunds in Sukkur Barrage commandment area were intact and round the clock vigil was being maintained by the irrigation department personnel and other civil agencies.

He said that majority of the people living in the Indus river’s route had already been evacuated and shifted to relief camps of Sukkur, Rohri and Panno Aqil talukas.

EDO (Health) Sukkur, Dr Abdul Karim Baloch has been already deputized to supervise relief arrangements for the flood affected people of Katcha areas, he said.





                                                       21 July 2005
   

Indus water level rising at Guddu barrage

SUKKUR: Indus water level at Gudd, Sukkur and Kotri barrages rising, as medium level flood in the river will pass Guddu barrage on July 23 and Sukkur on July 25. 

The breach developed in Geerani Bund Wednesday morning was still unplugged and the gushing water from the breach has affected Kotla Gulsher, Sanjani, Umerkot and other villages. 

According to the In-charge Irrigation Control Room Abdul Aziz Soomro, Indus water flow at upstream Guddu Barrage was 4,75,400 cusecs, while 4,93,400 cusecs water being released in downstream. 

Water level is also rising at Sukkur Barrage, presently river flowing upstream at 3,72,200 cusecs, while 3,11,200 cusecs water being released in downstream. 

Indus river level at upstream Kotri Barrage was 2,06,000 cusecs, while 1,67,000 cusecs being discharged for downstream to the sea. 

Indus water from Taunsa barrage will reach Guddu in next two days that will push the water level at Guddu Barrage to over 5,50,000 cusecs, Abdul Aziz Soomro said. 

The flood flow will reach to Sukkur Barrage on July 25, which will enhance the water level to medium flood, he further said. The irrigation department has taken precautionary measures to meet any emergency. 

The Indus river is in high flood at Kot Addu in district Muzaffargarh. The water level at Taunsa barrage went down to 5,08,000 cusecs. 

Floodwater flow after passing Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan and Muzaffargarh has entered in Rajhanpur and Rahimyar Khan territory. 

In Rajhanpur rising water level has developed a breach in protective Bund and moving towards vicinity of Umerkot and Sanjani towns. Several villages and standing crops were submerged by the water. The breach developed in Geerani Bund Wednesday morning was still unplugged and the gushing water from the breach has affected Kotla Gulsher, Sanjani, Umerkot and other villages. 

DCO Rajhanpur Samiullah Abid has said that the efforts were underway to fill the breach. 

20 July 2005

High flood in Indus at Kot Addu 

KOT ADDU: Indus river has surged to high flood at Kot Addu, as the floodwater moving towards Rajhanpur after passing Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan and Muzaffargarh. 

Floodwater in Indus at Alipur Tehsil of Muzaffargarh was climbed to 5,27,785 cusecs. The villages in Tehsil Alipur and Multan’s Tehsil Jalalpur and Pirwala have been affected by the floodwater. 

Water discharge in Chenab at Punjnad Headworks was also increased to 62,375 cusecs. 

Indus water level at Guddu Barrage was constantly rising and reached to 4,39,234 cusecs, while the river water level was also increasing at the Sukkur Barrage going up to 3,51,222 cusecs. 

Water level at upstream Kotri Barrage was registered at 2,06,194 cusecs, while 1,67,787 cusecs water was being released to downstream to the sea.

Floods kill 30, affect over 460,000 across country

ISLAMABAD: More than 30 people have been killed, while over 460,000 people in low-lying areas in the country have been affected by three weeks of flooding, according to the central Flood Relief Cell (FRC) in Islamabad.

"Public health is a major concern at the moment. Flood-hit villages are a storehouse for stagnant water, which will not recede soon, since heavy monsoon rains are forecast towards the end of July," Farhana Faruqi Stocker, country representative of the UK-based international charity Oxfam, was quoted as saying by IRIN, the UN information unit, on Tuesday.

"The still water is an immediate breeding ground for malaria and water-borne diseases," she added.

According to meteorologists, above average summer temperatures for the past four weeks across northern Pakistan and Afghanistan have led to massive snowmelt the largest seen in over 100 years. This has resulted in heavy flooding of the northern Kabul and Swat rivers - tributaries of the mighty Indus.

The situation has been compounded by heavy monsoon rains across the country, creating an emergency situation in parts of the NWFP and the Punjab. In the NWFP, at least 114 villages have been affected with over 1,100 houses destroyed and more than 1,800 partially damaged in seven districts: Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swat, Chitral, Karak and Shangla.

The Pakistan chapter of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) together with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has also been distributing some 2,000 food baskets amongst the flood-affected families in three districts. At least another 1,000 villages and small settlements have been affected in Punjab, with more than 21,000 houses damaged along the Indus and Chenab rivers. Punjab relief authorities have established some 264 camps for the provision of free food and fodder across 14 flood-hit districts including the six most affected: Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan and Multan. Flooding has extensively damaged crops, including those of maize, fodder, vegetables, cotton, sugarcane and rice paddy, covering over 950,000 hectares in the NWFP and Punjab provinces, according to the FRC in the capital.

With a massive relief programme costing nearly $500,000 for flood-affected people in Punjab and the NWFP, Oxfam has assisted nearly 91,200 people with food and non-food items. The charity intends to scale up relief operation if the situation deteriorates.

In Sindh, over 8,000 people have been displaced in the districts of Sukkur, Ghotki, Kashmore and Shikarpur. Nearly 500 mud houses along the river Indus have been damaged partially in the districts of Dadu and Jamshoro, according to provincial relief authorities. Free food and medical care is being provided in relief centres in the flood-affected areas.

The government has started evaluating losses in the flood-hit areas where further relief goods will be sent for the affected people.

According to official sources, Federal Emergency Relief Cell’s (ERC) control room is monitoring the flood situation to prepare assistance plan for the affected areas.

The cell has already dispatched six trucks of relief goods to the flood-affected areas of Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur. These relief goods were sent to the most affected areas of the three districts.

Superintending Engineer Floods, Federal Flood Control Commission, Ahmed Kamal on Tuesday said most rivers of the country with flood situation were now receding, but warned low-lying areas of districts of Layyah, DI Khan, Bhakkar, Rajanpur, DG Khan and Muzaffargarh are likely to be affected during the next 24 to 48 hours due to high flood in the River Indus at Taunsa.

The Indus is likely to remain in high flood ranging between 5 lakh cusecs and 5.35 lakh cusecs during 24 to 48 hours. The river Chenab is in low flood at Marala and flowing normally at all other points, he said. The river Sutlej was also flowing normally at all points, he added.

He said at present there was flood at some places in the river Kabul and Indus. The river Swat is in high flood at Monda headworks while the river Kabul and Indus are in high flood at Nowshera and Chashma, respectively, he said.

The river Indus is in medium flood at Kalabagh, Taunsa and Guddu. The water discharge at Chashma was 5.16 lakh cusecs while 4.50 lakh cusecs was recorded at Kalabagh.

He said current high flood situation of the rivers Indus and Kabul was gradually receding since the last one week. Considerable reduction has been recorded in the flow of these rivers, he added.

Responding to a question, he said the river Jhelum was flowing in low flood, and there was no danger as it was also receding. He said at present main concentration of flood was at Chashma and Taunsa. Water inflow at Taunsa was 4.95 lakh cusecs while water discharge was 4.75 lakh cusecs with rising tendency, he said, adding nearly 10,000 cusecs water increase during the last 24 hours.


NWFP to get early flood warning system

ISLAMABAD: The NWFP may get one ‘quantitative precipitation measurement radar system’ for pre-emptive warning against floods and the system is likely to be installed in Peshawar.

The federal Ministry for Water and Power woke up to the gravity of the situation without the system after the catastrophic floods caused by heavy snow-melting. The ministry has okayed requirements of early flood warning system in the NWFP.

An official said, "The system shall cover the NWFP river catchments for effective flood forecasting and timely issuance of warning to take precautionary measures."

The Pakistan Meteorological Department would be assigned to prepare all the details and cost and other analysis in consultation with irrigation authorities of NWFP.

Moreover, the NWFP province would also be equipped with a comprehensive proposal of installation of new gauging system for data collection and dissemination in the perspective of effective flood management but after quick survey of probable river and rain gauges sites in NWFP.



                                        19 July 2005

Another floodwater flow passing through Muzaffargarh

Dera Ghazi Khan: Second floodwater flow in Indus River is passing through Layyah, D.G. Khan and Muzaffargar and water level is persistently mounting. 

Water flow in the Taunsa barrage at Kot Adu has been recorded at 4, 75, 280 cusecs, flooding several areas of Taunsa Tehsil of D.I. Khan. Whereas, Punjnad headworks of Ali Pur Tehsil of Muzafargar too has been facing rising flood water level, with 56, 618 cusecs water flow in River Chinab. 

Another floodwater flow of 100,000 cusecs from Tarmimo headworks is passing through Multan and Muzaffargar. The barrage with rising water level poses open threat to low-lying areas of Kashmor and Rojhan Mazari.

12 villages inundated as another flood enters Sindh

SUKKUR: Another medium flood from Punjab entered Sindh at the Guddu barrage on Monday night, and according to the irrigation sources, water level at Guddu and Sukkur barrages is expected to increase up to 550,000 cusecs.

Irrigation sources said on Monday water discharge upstream Guddu barrage was recorded 400,929 cusecs, and downstream 366,806 cusecs.

At the Sukkur barrage, discharge upstream was 333,642 cusecs and downstream 274,387 cusecs.

The floodwater would take 36 hours to reach the Sukkur barrage.

Meanwhile, the Qadirpur loop bund near Ghotki was once again under pressure, as army has been deployed at all the protective bunds to cope with any eventuality.

Irrigation sources said SM bund, Akil Agani bund, Bhanot bund and others were also under pressure, but the situation was under control.

Our Jamshoro correspondent adds: At least 12 Katcha villages, including police station of Mahi Otho, were inundated by floodwater in Taluka Sehwan on Monday.

This happened after a floodwater entered the Sehwan Taluka following its crossing from Dadu Moro bridge. Reports said besides the villages of Naon Wahan, Nooro Bughio, Durdero, Kaalaie, Jalbani and others, hundreds of acres of cultivated land also came under water.

All closed doors of Manchhar Lake and one door of Danstor Wah have been reopened for releasing floodwater into Manchhar Lake due to continuous rising of the flood in the River Indus in Sehwan Taluka.. Experts say if the flow of floodwater entering Manchhar Lake continued then lake would recover fast its lost shape.

APP adds: The flood in the River Indus is entering the Kotri Barrage command area and the flood peak will reach at Ghulam Muhammad Barrage known as Kotri Barrage between July 19 and 20. The flood peak has now been converted into small level flood in Kotri barrage Command area and the situation remained under control as the Sindh Irrigation Department has already adopted all precautionary measures to meet the challenges during the passage of flood peak, the Chief Engineer, Irrigation Kotri Barrage Manzoor Shaikh said while talking to APP in Hyderabad on Monday evening.

He said though it is hoped that flood peak will not increase from 225,000 cusecs at the Kotri barrage, round-the-clock vigilance is being carried out both at the right and left embankments of Indus River. Proper vigilance along with extensive patrolling is being carried out at the embankments, particularly at the vulnerable points where sand, stone, etc have also been dumped, he said.

He said out of 31 vulnerable points, both at the right and left embankments of the river, extra vigilance is being carried out at six sensitive points, which included HP bund of Mulla Katiar, Thatta-Sujawal Bridge and MS Bund 43 Mile at the left side, Sunn-Veehdari Bund, Sondha-Hilaya Bund and Baghar Ocheto Bund at the right side of the Indus River.

He said 185,534 cusecs of water has been recorded at upstream Kotri barrage on Monday evening, while 147,127 cusecs of water is being discharged downstream of the barrage. He said the district administration of Dadu and Kotri had already issued caution to all the residents, residing in Katcha areas of Kotri barrage command area to shift to safer places in order to avoid any loss of life.


                                         18 July 2005

Another flood reaches Guddu today

SUKKUR: The floodwater released from the Punjab will reach Guddu barrage on Monday. According to the officials of the Irrigation Department, upstream at the Guddu Barrage was recorded 368,348 cusecs and downstream 334,217 cusecs, while upstream was recorded 349,043 cusecs and downstream was 289,808 cusecs at the Sukkur barrage and at the Kotri barrage upstream remained 175,330 cusecs and downstream was 136,923 cusecs on Sunday.

17 July 2005

High flood in Swat river 

PESHAWAR: Swat river flowing at Munda head-works in high flood and at Amandara in medium flood, while the water level in rivers was going down at other places in NWFP. 

According to a report of the Flood Warning Centre Peshawar the Swat river at Munda head-works was flowing at 55677 cusecs, while the river flow at Amandara was 33508 cusecs with high and medium flood at these places. 

Water graph was going down in other rivers in the province, flood report said. Water discharge in Kabul river was registered at 1,54,700 cusecs, in Shah Alam river water level went down to 14675 cusecs. Swat river water flow at Khyali was registered at 51203 cusecs. According to the Flood Warning Centre, river at all these places were flowing in high and medium level flood. 

Mighty Indus oaring with 5,31,900 cusecs at Attock and Chitral river near Chitral with 46,000 cusecs were in high level flood.

100-ft wide breach in Khairpur canal 

SUKKUR: The work to plug a breach in Khairpur Feeder East Canal at Gambat near Sukkur was not started even after several hours.

A 100 feet wide breach was developed in the canal at 4:00 am Sunday morning near Goth Nooral Narejo in Gambat. The gushing waters from the breach submerged six villages including Narejo Goth and about 250 acres of the agriculture lands were also inundated.

Local people reported about the breach to concerned irrigation department officials and the department staff arrived at the place. However, the work to cap the breach was not started after several hours due to unavailability of the required machinery and equipment. 

16 July 2005

Kot Adu: Water level rising at Taunsa barrage

KAT ADU: The water level is rising in Indus river and flood water flow at Taunsa barrage in Kot Adu has increased to 4, 29, 312 cusecs, sources informed on Saturday.

The flood water flow coming from Chasma is passing today through districts of Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan and Muzaffargar. The rural areas of Layyah and D.G. Khan remains much affected areas.

DCO Layyah Nazir Choudhery said that withdraw of the affected areas had come to its completion much earlier and; presently, the flood water was passing along the protective Bunds of Layyah. Though the areas outside the Bund remained unaffected.

Floodwater declining at Sukkur, Guddu, rising at Kotri barrage

SUKKUR: The water level in Indus declining at Sukkur and Guddu barrages, while rising at the Kotri barrage. Water level was also surging at the Taunsa barrage with medium level flood reported there.

In-charge Irrigation Department Control Room at Sukkur Abdul Aziz Soomro has said that the floodwater coming from Sukkur barrage might enter the command area of Kotri barrage on July 19 and 20.

Monitoring of the all sensitive river embankments and protective Bunds from Sukkur to Kotri barrage have been intensified. Irrigation officials are patrolling at S.M. Bund, Bhanot Bund and other critical points with water pressure along the riverside.

The water level at upstream Kotri was 345,946 cusecs, while 1,18,858 cusecs water being discharged from the barrage to the sea.   

Water discharge at downstream Sukkur was 451,699 cusecs.

Water level was surging at the Taunsa barrage with medium level flood in the river. Meanwhile, Chenab floodwater was passing the Punjnad Headworks and moving towards Rahimyar Khan and Rajhanpur. 

High flood may hit Kotri barrage on 18th

HYDERABAD: Floodwater may hit Kotri barrage on July 18 or 19 and precautionary steps have been adopted by the officials of the Irrigation department to deal with any eventuality.

Eijaz Sheikh, XEN Jamshoro Irrigation department, told The News that the floodwater coming from Sukkur barrage might enter the command area of Kotri barrage on July 18.

The release of water to Kotri downstream is all time high and fisherman are as busy as bee to net fish. Officials believe that the amount of water being released to Kotri downstream these days has never been released in the past five to eight years.

Eijaz said the water level upstream Kotri was 145,000 cusecs and downstream 107,000 cusecs, adding that the level of canals also increased and they were flowing at full capacity.

The level of Akram Wah (canal) downstream is 2,705 cusecs, old Phulleli canal 9,962 cusecs, new Phulleli canal 18,545 and KB Feeder 6,605 cusecs.

The XEN said the situation could worsen if rain started.

He said that in 1956 some 0.9 million cusecs of water had passed from this barrage therefore the officials are not worried about the situation.

During a visit to the canals, this scribe found that the increased water level in all the canals has whipped up fear among the people residing at their banks.

An area resident, Muhammad Raheem said children play around the boundary of the new Phulleli canal but no boundary wall had been erected by the Irrigation department due to which two children had died during the past 15 days. He said the children did not have any place for playing so they play around the canal.

An old couple said buffalos had broken the boundary wall.

Residents said most of the boundary walls of the canals were crumbling as the department concerned did not bother to repair them.

The authorities have so far not advised the people living at the bank of Kotri barrage and the canals to shift to safer places.

Our Sukkur correspondent adds: The flood situation at all the barrages of Sindh is under control and there is no threat to embankment at any point, official sources said on Friday.

On Friday evening water discharge at upstream Sukkur barrage was 478,841 cusecs and downstream was 422,130, while at Guddu upstream was 345,946 cusecs and 311,598 and upstream.

According to the sources, another flood would pass through Guddu and Sukkur barrages between 17 and 19 July, but it would also not pose any threat.

Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim visited Sukkur, Ghotki and Jacobabad districts on Thursday and Friday, where he was given detailed briefing by the chief engineers of Sukkur and Guddu barrages. The chief minister called upon the irrigation officials to continue the strengthening of vulnerable sites of the two barrages. He also asked them to prepare long-term plans to combat flood threats in future.

15 July 2005

Avalanche-flood submerge village near Chitral 

CHITRAL: The flooding water stirred by an avalanche at Garm Chashma here inundated an entire village and washed away 27 shops and 40 small overpass bridges. 

Local people told that one entire village at a place called Baraip was surrounded by the flash flood and hundreds of acres of land have totally submerged, while Mastooj Road closed for traffic has badly hit people. Till now, 40 link bridges—20 each for pedestrian and for jeeps have been washed away in the Tehsil here. 

Watercourses, roads and agricultural lands were depicting the scene of a brimming river at places named Darushap, Murdan, Utrai, Dawawa and Shagram. 

Chitral Scouts, police and nearby village people were busy in relief work. DCO Chitral has also arrived at Baraip to review the situation.

Thatta braces for flood

THATTA: The entire length of the Indus river protective embankments in this district, measuring 126 miles on the right side and 107 miles on the left side, are under strict vigilance and the floodwater will safely pass into the Arabian Sea.

Chief Engineer Kotri Barrage Manzoor Ahmed Shaikh stated that out of 31 vulnerable points, six were most sensitive where strengthening work was underway round-the-clock.

Manzoor said that dozers aided by manpower were busy in strengthening and stone-pitching at most vulnerable points. He said telephones and wireless system has been installed at all vulnerable points and there is constant contact with the officials posted at the site round-the-clock.

He said Army commander of Badin also visited the bunds and expressed satisfaction and added that army was also on alert and could be called in case of any eventuality. He said he himself was on the move to personally visit the bunds.

He said a central control room has been established at the Kotri Barrage manned by an assistant engineer, 3 supervisors and 3 telephone operators in three shifts. He said the centre is in direct contact with the Flood Warning Centre in Karachi. He was quite confident that the major water stream of about 225,000 cusecs that will pass through Kotri by 20th and 21st July, will flow into the sea safely.

He said a major project of remodelling of Kinjhar Lake and its canal system, including increase in the height of lake embankments, is on the cards. He said after remodelling work, the level of Kinjhar will increase from the present 54 feet to 60 feet. He said after the completion of the project, there will be enough water not only for agriculture but also for supply to Karachi from the present 1,000 cusecs to 2,000 cusecs.

He said security staff equipped with necessary arms will be at the disposal of all executive engineers for their safe movement within their jurisdiction. He said due to effective management, there was no major complaint from growers during the current year. He said there was enough water for current Kharif crops except in some places in Badin district in the command area of Piniari on the Sujawal side. He, however, added that rotation system has been stopped as enough water will be available in all areas in the entire Kotri barrage jurisdiction.

Manzoor appealed to the growers to use the water judiciously and close their watercourses outlets and stop unnecessary wastage in drains if they do not require water for their crops.

Flood situation at Kotri Barrage command area remained under control and the Sindh Irrigation Department has already taken precautionary measures to meet the challenge of current peak of flood which will enter the command area between July 17 and 18.

If there is no rainfall during the period, the current peak of flood will not be over 250,000 cusecs of water, said Executive Engineer Kotri Command Area Aijaz Shaikh while talking to APP on Thursday.

He said proper inspection with extensive patrolling is being carried out both on the left and right embankments of river Indus, especially at vulnerable points.

Shaikh, who completed the inspection of Sun-Veehdari Bund, a declared sensitive and vulnerable point at the right side of river Indus, said Huts (Landhis) have been established at every mile both at the left and right embankments of the river where the irrigation staff is monitoring flood situation round the clock.

The wood and sand bags (Abkalani material) have also been dumped at these ìLandhisî to meet any eventuality during the passage of flood peak, he said. Bulldozers have also been arranged and dispatched to vulnerable points of embankments, he added.

The peak of flood water, released from downstream of Sukkur Barrage will reach the Kotri Barrage Command Area between July 17 and 18, 2005, he said and added that at present the flood water had still not touched the Katcha area, which included the river bed of Indus. The embankments both at the left and right sides of the river were intact, he said.

The Executive Engineer Rohri Canal Hala Division, Sarwar Ali Shaikh, who is monitoring the flood situation at Bhanote Bund said the recent flood peak would pass from this area on July 16, 2005.

Meanwhile, the Kabul river is in high flood at Nowshera while the river Swat is in high flood at Monda and Indus is in medium flood at Kalabagh, Chashma, Guddu and Sukkur. According to Flood Forecasting Division on Thursday, water level is rising at Taunsa and falling at Guddu and Sukkur.

The river Jhelum is in low-to-medium flood at Mangla and in low flood at Rasul. The river Chenab is also in low flood at Marala, Khanki, Qadirabad and Trimmu. The rivers Ravi and Sutlej are flowing below low flood level at all points. Scattered thunderstorm has been forecast for catchment areas of all major rivers, including Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej during next 24 hours.


Water level rising again in NWFP rivers

PESHAWAR: At least 65 empty houses were buried under a mountain of snow after the fall of glacier on a village in Brep valley of Chitral, some 150 kilometres from here.

The residents of the area have already evacuated the village due to expected danger of glacier falling so no casualty was reported during the accident.

Meanwhile flood in almost all rivers of the Frontier province was on the rise causing more losses to crops and infrastructure.

A bridge linking Chitral with the affected Brep Valley was washed away by high flood in Chitral River recently. As a result the local authorities, non-governmental organisations and volunteers were facing hardships to reach the affected people.

Thick clouds on Lowari Top also hampered helicopter service offered by the Aga Khan Foundation for relief of the victims.

Talking to The News via telephone from the affected area, a social worker said the process of breaking up of huge glaciers was still continuing and may affect more nearby villages.

Programme manager of a non-governmental organization, Fox, said as soon as air becomes clear, relief goods would be sent to the area via helicopter.

The fall of glacier has also caused high flood in Chitral River and people living on its banks have been warned to evacuate their houses.

The district administration released another amount of Rs one million for rescue and relief operation of the flood affectees of Brep, Mastuj, Gowari, Shati, Danin and Kuru Drosh vallies, said an official of the NWFP Flood Relief Commission.

Meanwhile, further surge in water level was recorded in almost all rivers of the province Thursday.

Authorities at Tarbela Dam have also been gradually increasing the outflow of water creating threat of high flood in D I Khan, where according to the NWFP Flood Relief Commission, the authorities are on high alert to meet any eventuality.

The relief commission continued its activities in Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera and Chitral districts by establishing medical camps and providing edible and other household items to the victims.

In Charge NWFP Flood Warning Centre Abdul Wali Yousafzai was of the view that flood due to snow melting will recede in a day due to pleasant change in weather in the hilly areas. However, as torrential rains have started water level in rivers will continue to surge.

Swat River at Munda Headworks was in very high flood where water discharge was 60,091 cusecs. Kabul River at Nowshera, Khiali, Chitral and Panjkora rivers at Dir and Indus at Besham were in high flood, where the discharge of water was recorded at 158,800, 55,732, 48,900, 27,831 and 369,000 cusecs per second.

Indus at Attock, Kabul River at Warsak and Swat River at Amandara were in medium flood, where discharge of water was recorded at 469,000, 96,570, 46,201 cusecs. Shah Alam River was still above the mark of extreme with a water discharge of 15,804 cusecs.

14 July 2005

Medium flood in Indus at Guddu and Sukkur barrages

SUKKUR: Indus river is flowing at medium level flood at Sukkur and Guddu barrages however the water level went down by 1,43,000 cusecs decrease at Guddu barrage within last 36 hours.

The water level was continuously rising at Dera Ismail Khan and the downstream discharge from the Chashma barrage has reached to 4,30,000 cusecs. The water level at the Sukkur barrage has also declined by 5000 cusecs with the river currently flowing at the barrage at 4,95,000 cusecs while 4,40,000 cusecs of water is being discharged from the Sukkur to the Kotri barrage.

The water at the upstream Guddu barrage was flowing at 3,98,000 cusecs, while the downstream flow was 3,64,000 cusecs. 

Indus water level at Kotri barrage was rising with upstream flow at 1,42,000 cusecs while 1,04000 cusecs water being discharged below the Kotri barrage through Indus delta to the sea. The irrigation department is monitoring dams and protective Bunds from Guddu barrage to Kotri barrage while Chief Minister of Sindh Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim and Irrigation Minister Sardar Nadir Akmal Leghari would visit the Sukkur barrage today to monitor the flood situation. 

According to the Chashma barrage control room floodwater discharge from the Tarbela dam and surge in water levels at the Kabul river the water flow at Kalabagh has reached to 4,37,000 cusecs while the water discharge from the Chashma barrage has also climbed from 3,95,000 cusecs to 4,60,000 cusecs. 

Meanwhile the district administration of Dera Ismail Khan and the irrigation department have took precautionary measures to meet any contingency while monitoring of the protective Bunds was started while the people residing at areas nearby the river were also being shifted to safer places. 

13 July 2005

Rising Indus inundates 1,826 villages between Sukkur, Guddu

SUKKUR: The Indus river kept on rising for two days on Tuesday, inundating more areas near here and increasing pressure on protective embankments.

Due to flood, the Katcha area between Guddu and Sukkur barrages has been inundated, while pressure on several Bunds was increasing. The water was eroding KK Bund at 21 Mile near Badani, where stone pitching at the site was continuing to prevent any breach.

According to the revenue sources, some 90 per cent of the Katcha area between Guddu and Sukkur barrages, comprising some 1,826 big and small villages with 171 primary schools, 43 middle schools, 125 police checkpoints and 26 police stations, has been inundated. Cotton crop over 32,000 acres was also damaged in the floodwater. One hundred and twenty houses of Katcha Bunder, Sukkur, were also inundated.

As the water level in the Indus is on constant rise, officials say they have already taken all precautionary measures to cope with any eventuality. According to the Irrigation Department sources, the floodwater would reach Mud Bund, Akil Agani Bund and SM Bund within the next two days. Sandbags, stone and heavy machinery have been shifted to these Bunds to prevent any untoward incident, the sources said.

Chief Engineer Sukkur Barrage Nawaz Memon claimed that the current was declining; therefore, the Mud Bund was not in danger. "The water is flowing below the brims of the Bunds, therefore, there is nothing to worry about," he told The News.

He said the water level was decreasing by 77,000 cusecs at Trimmu in the Punjab, which had eased the situation. "Yesterday, the discharge at Trimmu was 163,000 cusecs while 77,000 cusecs decrease has been recorded there by this (Tuesday) evening."

He said water released by India into the river Chenab would reach Guddu on July 16 and 17, and pass the Sukkur barrage on July 18, but "that would not increase more than 400,000 cusecs at Guddu, while some 545,000 cusecs have already passed through it".

The Irrigation sources further claimed that the Indus river has also started receding at the Guddu barrage, while it was rising at the Sukkur barrage. On Tuesday 33,000 cusecs decrease was recorded at Guddu as the discharge upstream was 508,000 cusecs and downstream was 473,403 cusecs. At the Sukkur barrage upstream, the discharge was 493,925 cusecs and downstream it was 438,948 cusecs. At the Kotri Barrage, the discharge at upstream was 125,602 cusecs and downstream it was 87,780 cusecs.

Imtiaz Hussain adds from Khairpur: Rising level of the Indus is continuously eroding the Ulra Bund, which now faces a serious threat of breach. However, villagers complain that the irrigation authorities are not strengthening the embankment, and feared that in case of any eventuality, the floodwater could wreak havoc in Khairpur.

Anwar Shaikh adds from Nawabshah: The strengthening work of eastern side Mud Bund of the river Indus was in full swing. Earlier, over 825 feet long portion of the embankment was eroded by the floodwater. Heavy machinery was called in to prevent further erosion and strengthen the embankment.

Executive Engineer Irrigation Dad Division Shabbir Qureshi said the erosion was continuing for the last several days at 106th mile of Mud Bund and heavy machinery was deployed to strengthen the Bund on an emergency basis.


Kalabagh Dam could have averted floods: Musharraf

KARACHI: President Pervez Musharraf once again advocated the need fpr construction of Kalabagh dam, observing that the present flood situation in the country could have been averted had the dam been constructed in time.

"Had there been Kalabagh dam constructed in time, the country would not have been affected by the recent floods and on the contrary sufficient water could have been stored for proper utilisation during water shortage spells," said the president, while chairing a meeting to review flood situation in the province at the Chief Minister House on Tuesday.

According to a handout, Sindh Irrigation Minister Sardar Nadir Akmal Leghari briefed the president on flood protection infrastructure, flood situation, vulnerable points and Flood Control Plan and Measures 2005. The president was also briefed about various relief measures including early information system, which saved lives of about 150,000 people.

Musharraf observed that overall flood situation was not alarming and expressed satisfaction at adequate relief efforts by the provincial government. However, he stressed the need of patrolling minutely and vigilantly so that even a minor breach could be checked timely.

He praised the role of the Pakistan Army in identifying the depletion in the Sukkur barrage and its repair in a record time. He observed that unimaginable damage would have occurred had the barrage not been repaired in time.

Gen Musharraf also appreciated the provincial government for introducing flood control and monitoring system and taking prompt measures to combat the flood situation efficiently due to which no loss of life had occurred.

On the occasion, chief minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim apprised the president of desliting work, undertaken on his directives, which would benefit the tail-enders. Earlier, the briefing of Irrigation minister to the president covered the length of the Indus River Bunds on its left and right sides, flood stages at Sindh barrages, peak discharges at Guddu during the last five years, highest flood through barrages, Bund mileages impact of Chenab flood water on Sindh and expected discharges at Sindh barrages.

The minister said the provincial Irrigation Department has identified some 137 vulnerable points out of which 10 were most vulnerable and round-the-clock check was being maintained at these spots. He informed the president that the patrolling arrangements, communication and lighting system, coordination with other departments, availability of transport were well in place to meet any challenge effectively.

Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan, Chief Minister Arbab Rahim, Senior provincial Finance Minister Syed Sardar Ahmed, and other senior government officials also attended the meeting. 

12 July 2005

Water level rises at Kabul, Indus rivers

PESHAWAR: Water level is increasing at Kabul, Sawat, Poonch Korah Chitral and Indus rivers, pushing up flood water level at Munda headworks and Shah Alam to high point.

Water level eases at Guddu, surges at Sukkur

SUKKUR: Water level in river Indus at Guddu started receding, which gave rise to a persistent surge at Sukkur Barrage with high inflow.

It is for the first time in last three weeks that water level at Guddu declined by about 20000 cusecs; while at Sukkur Barrage it went up by 39000 cusecs during last 24 hours and continued to surge. 

Sindh Irrigation Minister, Sardar Nadir Akmal Laghari, watchful of the water level situation at Sukkur, has ordered posting of additional irrigation staff at sensitive embankments in Sindh including Qadirpur loop band, KK bund, Aaqil Aagni bund, Mud bund, SM bund and Bhanot bund; while the section of Mud bund that had caved in yesterday under water pressure, is being repaired speedily. 

The police personnel along with the irrigation staff have also started taking rounds of all the sensitive embankments in Sukkur.

Water level on Tuesday morning at Guddu Barrage stood at 5,26,127 cusecs, while at Sukkur at 4,92,749 cusecs.

Flood: 80pc of Katcha area inundated: Jatoi 

GUDDU: Federal Minister for Water and Power Liaquat Ali Jatoi on Monday undertook a whirlwind aerial visit to the flood-hit areas of Sukkur, Kashmore and Ghotki districts to assess the damage caused to crops and land of the Katcha area by the flood. 

The minister, who was accompanied by Sindh Secretary Irrigation, Ashfaq Memon and Chairman Federal Flood Commission IB Shaikh, flew in a helicopter from Sukkur and visited hundreds of flood-hit villages of Ghotki, Sukkur and Kashmore districts in the command area of Guddu and Sukkur barrages. 

Jatoi found large tracts of the Katcha land from Sukkur to Guddu inundated by floodwater. He said more than 80 per cent of the Katcha area between Sukkur and Guddu barrages had been inundated with floodwater. 

APP Sukkur correspondent, who accompanied the minister during the two-hour aerial visit, was told by the minister that a long-term strategy would be devised soon to combat the flood spell in the coming years to avert losses to men and material. 

Jatoi said he had asked the Sindh Irrigation department to coordinate flood control efforts with other departments. He has also instructed Wapda officials to extend maximum help to the affected people. 

The minister said Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz had asked him to undertake visits to the flood-affected areas of the country and starting from Kotri barrage on July 9, he had now with him a complete picture of the losses sustained in the recent flood in Sukkur and Guddu barrage area. 

He stated that he would also submit recommendations to the prime minister in this regard so that future flood-related losses are averted through what he called "a long-term planning". Jatoi said the losses which the people of Katcha area had suffered in the flood would be compensated by the federal and provincial governments through a chain of relief measures. 

He said the extent of losses in the Guddu barrage area had been assessed by him to be higher than the Sukkur barrage area. —APP Waseem Shamsi adds from Sukkur: Jatoi told a news conference in Sukkur that all measures had been taken to cope with the flood situation. He said that following the recent rehabilitation work, the Sukkur barrage had no danger. 

He said the federal and the provincial governments as well as the Army were monitoring the flood situation, and large-scale relief measures had been taken by the government. He announced one truckload each of relief goods for the flood-affected people of Sukkur, Kashmore and Ghotki districts. 

Jatoi said that during his visit of Kotri barrage, as well as Sukkur and Guddu, he had found the flood situation was under control. He said President Pervez Musharraf deserved compliments of all, because it was he who activated the Army engineers and the FWO to help the rehabilitation of the Sukkur barrage. 

Jatoi said he had found at the Guddu barrage that the river had out-stretched due to high velocity of gushing water of the flood, but the overall losses remained minimum. The minister said he was informed at the morning that the water flow at the Guddu barrage remained constant since Sunday, ie 545,000 cusecs, and hoped that it would start receding very soon. 

Jatoi said he had asked the Irrigation department to be vigilant in the next week, when flash flood of the Chenab waters would reach Guddu. However, he added, the pressure would now be on the Sukkur barrage. 

The minister said he had asked the Sindh Irrigation secretary to submit a comprehensive plan in order to ensure water management and to avoid water losses to achieve availability of water in different canals throughout Sindh. 

The chief engineer of the Guddu barrage, Nazir Ahmed Junejo, was optimistic that water level at Guddu would start receding within the next 24 hours, and there was no danger from the water released in Chenab by India, as it would reach Guddu after 3 or 4 days. 

Upstream discharge at the Guddu barrage on Monday was recorded at 545,923 cusecs and downstream 513,193 cusecs about 6pm. 

On Monday, upstream discharge at the Sukkur barrage remained 470,665 cusecs and downstream 417,507 cusecs, due to which protective wall at Bunder road, Sukkur, was under serious threat, and the pressure were to increase on Monday night, as the water was constantly increasing. Water pressure at Sukkur barrage was increasing due to non-receding of water at Guddu barrage. 

The chief engineer Guddu said the right guide bank consisting of six T-Spurs was under tremendous pressure, and two out of six T-Spurs had been washed away by the floodwater. He said residents of 11 villages near Badani Bund had been asked to move to safer places. 

In the meantime, at 21 mile of KK Bund some 60 feet erosion has occurred, and hundreds of truckloads of stone was being pitched there to strengthen the Bund. While Tori Bungalow, Makhwani Bund, Tori Cross, Ghoraghat Bund and other Bunds near Kandhkot were also under threat. 

Zafarullah Mahar, director SIDA, Ghotki, said: "We are engaged in pitching stones at the Bund, where erosion occurred, which is about one-mile long." 

Akil Agani near Larkana, and FM Bund near Naushahroferoze were also under threat, and villagers nearby have been asked to shift to safer places. The villagers near Sakrand and Qazi Ahmed have also been asked to vacate their villages, due to the mounting pressure on the Bund. 

General Officer Commanding Pano Akil Cantonment Maj-Gen Ahmed Nawaz Saleem Mela on Monday visited various relief camps being established in Sukkur for the flood-affected people. He assured the people that the civil administration and the Army would extend a helping hand to the flood-affected people and added that it was for the first time that precautionary measures had been taken by the civil administration and the Army well before the flood. 

He also assured the residents of the Katcha Bunder near Halar mosque, Sukkur, that they would provide every possible help to the people of the area. 

Our Jacobabad correspondent adds: Jatoi told newsmen at the Guddu barrage that the Greater Thull canal was aimed at just storing the floodwater for the lean period and this should not be politicised. He said construction of the Thull canal was in interest of the country and all the provinces. 

Anwar Shaikh adds from Nawabshah: Residents near the Mud Bund are preparing to vacate the villages while the administration has also instructed the people of nearby villages to shift in view of the flood danger near Nawabshah. 

The Irrigation department is striving to control the erosion of the Mud Bund of the river Indus near Nawabshah, but 825-foot long portion of Bund has been washed away by the floodwater. Irrigation sources said there was however no danger of breach at this site. 

The river water was continuously eroding the protective embankment at 106th mile. In this regard, Executive Engineer Irrigation Dad Division Shabbir Qureshi said the floodwater was eroding the protective bund as the river had changed its course slightly due to sand-dunes formed in the river bed. 

He said stone dumping at this site was in progress in order to prevent further erosion. At present the water level was rising but the water surface had become smooth due to which erosion was decreasing, he said. 

Qureshi said steps had been taken to face the coming flood wave in the next few days and irrigation staff was patrolling the site round-the-clock while material required for plugging of breach had also been rushed to the spot. 

Meanwhile, DCO Abdul Razzaq Qureshi said officials of the Revenue department, police and staff of various departments had been alerted and residents of the area villages were instructed to remain alert in case of any emergency and shift. He said 10 school building were got vacated in the area for shifting of the villagers. 

Imtiaz Hussain adds from Khairpur: The Irrigation authorities on Monday visited the 0 Point Bund and Ulra Bund to review the expected flood threat in Khairpur at the above bunds. They observed that all precautionary measures have been taken, along with patrolling of the Bunds. 

Emergency camps have been established and residents of the Katcha area are being motivated to move to safer places. Reports said flood threat in Khairpur is likely on Wednesday when about 4.5 lakh cusecs of water downstream will pass from Khairpur. DPO Khairpur has cancelled the leaves of all the policemen. 

Our Naushahroferoze correspondent adds: District Coordination Officer Nazar Mohammad Kalhoro, at a flood review meeting, ordered the DDOs, Mukhtiarkars and police officers to advise the people through loudspeakers to shift to safer places before the arrival of floodwater which may hit the fringes of the town on the night between July 13 and 14. 

The DCO informed the meeting that special attention was being paid to protective embankments through patrolling, stone-pitching, dumping and providing earthmoving machinery. An official told the meeting that superfloods had occurred along the Indus River in 1973, 1974, 1976, and 1994. 

The DCO ordered the Irrigation Department to maintain vigilance of the flood situation round-the-clock so that no loss of life could occur in any part of the Katcha areas Nazar said after a survey by the Irrigation Department four points have been found sensitive which included Bukhari, Old Jatoi, Bhorti and Dadu Moro Bridge. 

The DCO said 20 relief camps have been set up from Moro to Kandiaro in various government school buildings and two medical teams have been arranged. He said families of 72 villages shifted from the Katcha areas towards Packa areas. Nazar informed the meeting that control rooms have been established throughout the district. 

Flood flow passing through Kabirwala, Multan and Muzaffargarh  

SUKKUR: There was a high flood at Guddu and low at Sukkur while water level was gradually increasing at Sukkur and Kotri barrages, however, the situation was in control. 

Irrigation officials said there had been no change in water level at Guddu Barrage where inflow was 5,22,669 cusecs and outflow 4,92,000 cusecs, while at Sukkur Barrage inflow was 3,20,708 and outflow 2,69,380. 

The gush of water from Guddu to Sukkur was damaging Qadirpur Loop Bund, KK Loop Bund, Aqil Agani Bund and Old Jatoi Bund and irrigation officials were continuously monitoring the situation at these sensitive areas. 

General Officer Commanding (GOC) 16-Division, Panno Aqil, Major General Ahmed Nawaz Salim Mela visited various relief camps in Sukkur city which have been set up by the district authorities for the people of flood affected areas. 

He was accompanied by Incharge Flood Relief Operation Sukkur Region, Brigadier Mumtaz and DCO Sukkur, Shafiq Ahmed Khoso. GOC Mela assured the people at these relief camps of maximum help and assistance by the army and the civil administration. He said it was first time that extra-ordinary precautionary

measures were taken by the civil administration and the Armed Forces jointly much in advance of the flood. 

The river Chenab is in low-to-medium flood at Trimmu with rising tendency. According to Flood Forecasting Division, the water level would be between 1.65 lakh cusecs to 2.40 lakh cusecs during next 24 hours. 

The river Indus is in high flood at Guddu while river Kabul is also in high flood at Nowshera showing rising tendency. 

The river Indus is in medium-to-high flood at Sukkur and in low flood at Tarbela, Kalabagh and Chashma. The water discharge at Guddu is stated to be 5.45 lakh cusecs and is likely to start receding during the next 24 hours. 

Water discharge at Kalabagh is 2.70 lakh cusecs and it would remain between 2.70 lakh cusecs to 3.10 lakh cusecs during next 24 hours. While at Chashma it would recede from 3.0 lakh cusecs and would be between 2.60 lakh cusecs to 3.0 lakh cusecs during next 24 hours. At Sukkur, it is likely to rise from present level of 4.53 lakh cusecs to 4.55 lakh to 5.00 lakh cusecs during next 24 hours. 

Meanwhile, Punjab Government has released an amount of Rs 1.05 million as compensation for heirs of those killed in motor boat incident in Tehsil Rojhan, district Rajanpur this morning.

11 July 2005

Chenab floodwater enters in Multan, Muzaffargarh areas 

MULTAN: Chenab river floodwaters have entered in Multan and Muzaffargarh areas. The river flood surge has hit several villages of Kabirwala, Multan and Muzaffargarh also damaging the standing crops. 

Authorities have established relief camps for flood victims in Multan, while people living within limits of the protective Bunds being evacuated to safer places. 

People transporting their household things by boats to the safer places still large number of the people were present in the flood-hit riveran areas. They have said that they could not evacuate from the area due to lack of boats and other means.