Sindh on High Alert as IRSA Warns of 800,000 Cusec Flood Wave

The Indus River System Authority (IRSA)’s Sindh member, Ehsan Leghari, has issued a warning that Sindh should be prepared for a flood wave of up to 800,000 cusecs in the coming days.

In a detailed report, he highlighted that the peak flood waves from the Chenab and Ravi rivers are expected to reach Panjnad on September 1 and 2, either simultaneously or within hours, with flows ranging between 650,000 and 700,000 cusecs. He further noted that the Sutlej River flood will exit from Ganda Sawala and arrive at Panjnad on September 3, before moving toward Guddu Barrage by September 4, carrying around 500,000 to 550,000 cusecs of water.

Ehsan Leghari explained that Guddu Barrage receives water both from downstream Taunsa and downstream Panjnad, and warned that additional rains in the Suleiman Range could bring in further hill torrents. On August 28, the water flow at downstream Taunsa was recorded at approximately 250,000 cusecs, while Guddu saw more than 330,000 cusecs. In the coming days, the Indus River’s own flow is expected to remain between 300,000 and 350,000 cusecs.

He cautioned that when the flood wave from Panjnad merges at Guddu on September 4, the total discharge may reach around 750,000 cusecs. However, he clarified that “since the flow of the Chenab River is already decreasing at Marala, this peak flood wave may last only one or two days,” urging Sindh to prepare for any emergency in advance.