A powerful flood surge carrying 300,000 cusecs of water entered the Guddu Barrage on Thursday, prompting authorities to evacuate more than 94,000 people from riverine (katcha) areas to prevent loss of life.

Briefing the media at the Flood Emergency Control Room in Karachi, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that although the threat of a “super flood” had been averted for now, the situation remained critical.

He confirmed that in the past 24 hours, 94,795 residents of katcha areas had been safely relocated.

“At present, there is no need for artificial cuts or breaches, but if conditions change, low-lying settlements could still be affected,” he cautioned.

Memon also warned that nearly 2.4 million livestock remain under threat from rising waters, while people’s assets and properties face potential damage.

He added that India has released an additional 300,000 cusecs of water, which could further raise water levels in the Indus. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah is personally monitoring the flood situation, while all provincial departments remain on high alert.

Memon further informed that Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will soon visit flood-hit areas of Punjab to meet victims and express solidarity.