Director General Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Sindh, Salman Shah, on Saturday rejected reports of a boat accident in Sukkur, terming them “false and contrary to facts.”
In a statement, the DG PDMA said that contact was established with the Deputy Commissioner Sukkur, who confirmed that the incident occurred near Mahi Ja Bhan. A group of locals had loaded household goods, four motorcycles, and around 40 maunds of milk onto a boat. “While unloading milk on the riverbank, the boat lost balance and tilted, but due to shallow water levels, no loss of life occurred,” he said.
“All seven passengers on board came out safely,” Mr Shah said, adding that police and revenue officials present at the site managed the situation promptly. He criticized exaggerated reports of the incident, saying such misinformation only spread panic among the public.
Mr Shah further stated that, under special instructions from Minister for Rehabilitation Makhdoom Mehboob-uz-Zaman, PDMA and Rescue 1122 staff remain on high alert to deal with any emergency.
Highlighting the evolving flood situation, the DG PDMA warned that Guddu Barrage is likely to receive around 700,000 cusecs or more of water within the next 24 hours. “Residents of katcha (riverine) areas have been directed to shift immediately to safer locations,” he said.
The public has been urged to stay in contact with district administrations during relocation to avoid mishaps. The Provincial Flood and Rain Emergency Cell can be reached at helpline numbers: 021-99222967, 021-99222902, 021-99222758, 021-99222759. In addition, PDMA’s helpline 1736 and Rescue 1122 are available round-the-clock for assistance.