Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah has directed all district administrations to complete preparations for the monsoon season and stay on high alert during the expected rains on Saturday.
He gave the instructions while chairing a meeting to review monsoon arrangements. The issue of illegal wheat hoarding across the province was also discussed.
The Chief Secretary ordered the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and district control rooms to become fully active. He also asked officials to submit a 24-hour situation report every day.
He instructed all deputy commissioners to hold District Coordination Committee meetings without delay and prepare emergency plans for their areas. The plans should include relief camps, rescue boats, dewatering pumps and enough medical supplies.
He also directed officials to clean drainage channels and remove blockages before the rains begin. He said government teams should remain active on the ground throughout the season.
The Health and Livestock departments were told to set up medical and veterinary camps in areas that may be affected.
The Chief Secretary also ordered officials to ensure a continuous supply of medicines and vaccines for both people and animals.
He asked authorities to speed up repair work and increase monitoring at important points along the Indus River.
During the meeting, officials were informed that water flow at Guddu Barrage could reach 300,000 cusecs. Following the update, the Chief Secretary placed all concerned departments on high alert.
Rain in Sindh
Previously, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had forecast widespread rain and thunderstorms across several districts of Sindh until July 27. It also warned that isolated heavy downpours could cause urban flooding in low-lying areas.
According to the Met Office, a low-pressure system over southwest Rajasthan and adjoining areas, combined with strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea, is influencing weather conditions across southern and central Pakistan.
The PMD said moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Hyderabad, Matiari, Jamshoro and Shaheed Benazirabad from Friday through July 27, with occasional breaks.
