Sindh Agriculture Department suspends leave over flood danger

Amid the looming flood threat, the Sindh Agriculture Department has cancelled all officers’ and staff leave.

Sindh has set up a rain emergency cell in Hyderabad to provide quick help to farmers during emergencies. The Agriculture Minister Sardar Muhammad Bux Maher announced that focal persons have been appointed in 30 districts, while emergency centres are active at the district level. He directed officials to stay on duty across all districts, including Larkana, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas, and Shaheed Benazirabad, and send daily updates to Agriculture Secretary Muhammad Zaman Narejo.

The engineering wing of the Agriculture Department has been instructed to keep bulldozers and machinery ready so that equipment can be provided to local administrations without delay. The Director General Agriculture Extension Sindh will oversee the plan. The minister also stressed coordination with PDMA and other institutions, promising immediate relief for flood-affected farmers. He said climate change has increased flood threats, making early preparation essential. The Sindh Chief Minister has also assigned ministers for duties along riverbanks to ensure quick response. Emergency measures will remain in place to safeguard farmers and their crops.

Meanwhile, floodwaters from the Ravi River inundated several localities in Lahore, including Badru Pind, Talluq Pura, Mehna Wal, Chuhng, and Theme Park. Rising water forced many residents to leave their homes with families and belongings. They have now taken shelter on the Lahore–Islamabad Motorway, particularly in areas from Thokar Niaz Baig onwards.

Displaced families said they could only carry essential possessions before water entered their houses. Floodwater has spread widely under the motorway, leaving entire neighbourhoods submerged. Authorities are monitoring the situation as both urban and rural communities face worsening flood risks.