Over 121,000 evacuated in Sindh as flood risks rise amid heavy rain forecast

Authorities in Sindh have evacuated more than 121,000 people from vulnerable riverine areas as rising water flows at major barrages heighten flood risks.

According to Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, 12,449 people were shifted to safe locations in the last 24 hours alone, raising the total to 121,769.

He said 14,495 livestock had also been moved, while 155 health camps provided treatment to more than 33,800 people so far.

At Guddu barrage, inflows were recorded at 360,976 cusecs and outflows at 325,046 cusecs, while Sukkur barrage registered 329,648 cusecs inflow and 278,398 cusecs outflow. Kotri barrage recorded inflows of 237,922 cusecs. Relief efforts include deployment of rescue boats and coordination with the Pakistan Navy and Rescue 1122.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread thunderstorms with heavy to very heavy rains across Sindh between September 7 and 13, warning of urban and flash flooding in low-lying areas.

In Punjab, the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) reported exceptionally high levels in the Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala and rising water in the Chenab at Panjnad.

Floods have already displaced hundreds of thousands in Multan, Muzaffargarh, Vehari and Bahawalpur, inundating farmland and destroying infrastructure. Over 138 villages in Multan district have been submerged, leaving an estimated 350,000 people homeless.

Officials said relief operations are underway, but many affected communities report inadequate assistance as water levels continue to rise in the Chenab, Sutlej and Indus rivers.