First Lady of Pakistan and Member of the National Assembly, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, visited various points of the SM Dam at Mudbangloo and Mudmangli to review precautionary and relief activities amid the looming threat of floods.
She was accompanied by Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah during visits to relief camps set up by the Irrigation, Health, Livestock, and Rescue 1122 departments.
Officials briefed Aseefa Bhutto Zardari on measures taken to reduce river pressure at Mudmangli, a vulnerable point connected to the Indus River. Structures such as T-spurs, J-spurs, and slope studs have been constructed, while heavy machinery and ample stockpiles of stones are kept on standby to address any cracks or breaches.
Rescue 1122 informed her that their camp is fully equipped with boots, life jackets, scuba gear, and ropes to deal with emergencies. Medical camps are treating an average of 80 patients daily, while livestock protection measures are also underway.
The Irrigation Department shared that officials patrol SM Dam round-the-clock to monitor water flow and the dam’s condition. They noted that at Guddu and Sukkur Barrages, normal flood levels reach up to 200,000 cusecs, moderate floods 500,000 cusecs, and super floods 900,000 cusecs. At Kotri Barrage, a normal flood is up to 200,000 cusecs, moderate 450,000 cusecs, and super flood above 800,000 cusecs.
Officials also recalled that SM Dam was significantly reinforced after the 2010 super flood. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari stressed that protecting human lives, property, farmland, and livestock from the rising waters remains a major challenge.