Saira Imran A high flood at Sukkur Barrage has submerged vast parts of Sindh’s riverine (Katcha) areas. The rising waters have entered homes, washed away standing crops, and forced thousands of villagers to abandon their lands. This disaster has left many families in urgent need of food, shelter, and medical care.
People Escape on Boats
After the flood struck, people began leaving their villages using small boats. Entire families carried whatever belongings they could save, and they moved their livestock in a desperate attempt to reduce losses. Many villagers said they had never witnessed such severe flooding in recent years.
Kandhkot: 80 Villages Underwater
In Kandhkot, more than 80 villages have been completely submerged. Fields, homes, and roads are under several feet of water, cutting off local communities from the rest of the province. The situation worsened after floodwaters reached the Qadirpur Gas Field, forcing a suspension of gas supply from the facility. This has added to the challenges faced by people already struggling with displacement.
Punjab Sees Floodwater Receding
While Sindh faces rising water levels, flood-hit areas in Punjab have begun to see some relief. Water has started receding from villages, and families are cautiously returning to their damaged homes. However, many victims continue to wait for government assistance. They demand compensation for destroyed crops, collapsed houses, and the loss of livestock.
Sujawal Families Lose Their Homes
In Sujawal, the situation remains dire. Many flood-affected families have lost their shelters completely. Makeshift camps have been set up, but they lack clean drinking water, food supplies, and medical facilities. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable as hunger, thirst, and waterborne diseases spread in the camps.
Hunger, Thirst, and Disease Add to Suffering
Health experts have warned of a rise in diseases such as diarrhea, malaria, and skin infections in flood-hit regions. With limited healthcare facilities and shortage of medicines, families are forced to suffer in silence. Many say they feel abandoned and helpless as they wait for rescue teams and relief goods.
Economic Losses from Sukkur Barrage Flood
The Sukkur Barrage flood has not only displaced people but also caused severe damage to Sindh’s agricultural economy. Thousands of acres of cotton, rice, and sugarcane fields are underwater. Farmers are worried that the loss of crops will lead to financial ruin, pushing them deeper into poverty. The provincial government has announced that a damage assessment will be completed in the coming days.
Government and Aid Response
Authorities have sent rescue teams to affected areas, but many villages remain cut off due to high water levels. Relief operations are slow, and displaced families say the aid provided so far is not enough. International organizations are expected to join efforts to assess the total damage and support rehabilitation.
Victims Demand Quick Relief
Flood victims across Sindh are demanding immediate food supplies, shelter, and medical camps. They also want long-term solutions to recurring floods, including stronger embankments, early warning systems, and better disaster management. Without such measures, they fear the cycle of destruction will continue every year.
A Crisis of Survival
The flood at Sukkur Barrage has turned the lives of thousands upside down. Families who once lived off their fertile lands now face hunger and disease in makeshift camps. Their stories reflect a larger crisis of climate change, poor infrastructure, and delayed response. For many, survival itself has become the biggest struggle.
