Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah informed Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Sunday that he has directed the irrigation officers avoid making breaches that might effect Indus River flow during the flood emergency, and all out efforts should be made to strengthening the protective embankments.
According to a news release of Sindh government the chief minister said this during a briefing given to the Prime Minister at Guddu barrage on the flood situation.
Earlier, Prime Minister Gilani along with Chief Minster Shah, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Mir Aijaz Jakhrani and Sindh Minister for Irrigation Jam Saifullah Dharejo inspected the situation here at Guddu barrage. The prime minister was briefed by chief engineer Guddu barrage on flood situation in the barrage's command area, the breach that occurred at Torhi 'Bund' on August 7, caused by the strong flow of water and by weakening of Torhi Bund's first and second line. The engineer added that during the past 10 days the low level flood of 200,000 cusecs increased to over 1,100,000 cusecs turning into a super flood.
The District Co-ordination Officer, Kashmore at Kandhkot, Syed Abid Ali Shah informed the prime minister that 26 relief camps were established in the district where meals and other facilities are being provided to the flood victims. Mobile medical dispensaries have also been established and free treatment was also provided to the flood affectees. During the briefing MNA Gul Muhammad Jakhrani pointed out that alleged mismanagement occurred during the strengthening work of protective dykes.
Provincial minister Dharejo reiterated that breach in Torhi Bund occurred due to powerful currents and overflow of water, clarifying rumours in this regard. Prime Minister Gilani said that his government was committed to safeguard the lives and properties of the people.