Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced that the peak of the Indus flood has been delayed and is now expected to reach Guddu Barrage on September 9, bringing water flows exceeding 800,000 cusecs.

In a media briefing at the Flood Emergency Centre stated that preparations are underway with evacuations of vulnerable riverine populations being expedited.

Commissioners have begun issuing announcements in Katcha (riverine) areas to ensure residents vacate their homes and move to safer locations. Provincial ministers are actively supervising evacuations on both banks of the Indus River.

Approximately 324,000 individuals are projected to be displaced, with 128,000 already having left their homes. However, many evacuees are opting not to stay in relief camps choosing instead to relocate to embarkments. The government has provided medical aid to over 40,000 patients and vaccinated 900,000 livestock.

Shah highlighted the measures to drain water from the Left Bank Outfall Drain (LBOD) are expected to yield positive results. The province is also constructing bridges on the Indus Highway to facilitate movement. He noted that Sindh has effectively managed floodwaters in 2015.

Comparing the situation in Sindh and Punjab, Shah remarked that conditions in Punjab are significantly more severe. He clarified that reports of 40 inundated villages in Sehwan pertain to katcha settlements, which are consistently at risk during floods.

Emphasising the importance of national unity during crises, Shah recalled the colletive resilience shown during the May border confrontation with India. He reiterated that all relief and healthcare camps have been geo-tagged and that necessary resources are in place.

Despite, recent rains in Karachi which were swiftly managed, Shah expressed confidence that Sindh would withstand the upcoming flood. He urged the public to avoid misinformation and corporate with authorities.

The Chief Minister noted that both PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari are closely monitoring the situation adding that Sindh does not currently require federal financial aid, although coordination efforts with federal officials continue.

In the terms of urban flooding, Shah acknowledged that while it cannot be entirely prevented, effective drainage measures are crucial.

He concluded by addressing the public’s concerns about misinformation and reaffirming the government’s commitment to managing the flood situation.

In response to a question about his dual nationality case, Shah stated that Justice Qazi Faiz Essa has made decision and a review has been filed, which is expected to be referred to the constitutional bench. He also dismissed rumors regarding the custody of individuals close to him.