Sindh’s Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has sounded the alarm, warning that as many as 1.6 million people across 1,657 villages could be affected if floodwaters enter the province in the coming days.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Memon said the provincial government had already activated its machinery and was taking advance precautionary measures to manage the looming threat. “Ministers are on the ground and district administrations are fully engaged,” he assured, adding that efforts are being made to shift vulnerable families to safer areas.

The warning comes as Punjab reels from devastating floods, where at least 30 lives have been lost and over 1.5 million people displaced due to the overflowing Sutlej, Chenab, and Ravi rivers following heavy monsoon rains and India’s water discharge. Nearly half a million residents have already been evacuated from flood-hit regions in Punjab.

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Highlighting Sindh’s preparedness, Memon revealed that the government has identified 551 relief camp sites across the province, with 192 rescue boats on standby. “If the water level rises further, around 273,000 families in 167 union councils could be impacted,” he warned. Floodwaters are expected to reach Sindh between September 2 and 3, depending on inflows.

To safeguard livelihoods, over 300 separate camps for livestock have also been set up, while 15 districts along the riverbanks are under constant monitoring.

Updating on the flow levels, Memon shared that Guddu barrage is currently discharging 351,000 cusecs, Sukkur 289,000 cusecs, and Kotri 251,000 cusecs. With maximum capacities of 1.2 million, 900,000, and 600,000 cusecs respectively, the situation at present does not indicate an immediate emergency. “If no further heavy rains occur, the conditions will remain manageable,” he stated.

Dismissing fears of an imminent crisis, the minister clarified that urban centres face no direct threat. “There is no need for speculation. The situation does not require army assistance, as the provincial government is managing the response effectively,” he emphasized.

Memon also pointed out that people living in katcha (riverine) areas were being informed about potential risks. “These residents know the river’s behaviour well. When the water rises, they voluntarily shift to pucca (settled) areas or move in with relatives,” he explained.

Underscoring the broader picture, the senior minister stressed that Pakistan remains among the countries worst hit by climate change. “We must never allow construction inside riverbeds. It is vital to respect natural water channels to avoid such disasters,” he added.

Memon further assured that information about water inflows and outflows at Sindh’s barrages would be shared every three hours to keep the public informed.