Part II: Floods revisit Sindh – Two years in a row!

More stories are now unfolding about the recent flooding in Sindh. Fresh reports suggest that at least loss of Rs. 130 billion has happened in Sindh, Rains destroyed standing crops of cotton, paddy, sugarcane, onion, tomato, chillies, fodder and other seasonal vegetables to the tune of billions of rupees. Tando Muhammad Khan and Badin districts are the worst sufferers where rainwater submerged different kinds of standing crops on 1.5 million acres of land.

• Developing story in Sindh Province!

Floodwater submerged standing crop of paddy on around 0.9 million acres, sugarcane on 0.25 million acres, fodder on 0.25 million acres and onion, tomato on 0.25 million acres of land. Cotton crop suffered some 70 per cent damage. In terms of money, these two districts suffered roughly losses to the tune of Rs44.60 billion. The floodwater also damaged fish farms and poultry farms in coastal parts of Badin district. Reports said that around 1,000 fish farms and 800 poultry farms in Badin district were affected. Similarly, the floodwater destroyed standing crop on 2.5 million acres of land in four districts, Tando Allahyar, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot and Tharparkar. Cotton, sugarcane, vegetable, chillies and some others are the major crops. Kunri, district Tharparkar, is the biggest chilly market of the world. Tando Allahyar and southern parts of Hala are considered as hub of onion, which also suffered the worst blow. Overall 55 per cent standing crops suffered damages. Also some 0.3 million acres of land in affected in Sanghar district.

The Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (PILER) demanded of the government to take immediate measures to restore normal life in the flood-hit areas. Pakistan Peace Coalition (PPC) is also demanding the government to provide shelters to the displaced people immediately.

Last time these areas were affected was in 1999, when powerful cyclone smashed the country’s coastline. The other was in 2003 and 2006, when heavy rainfall created similar flood-like situation in the province. Now there are chances of more monsoon showers in coming days in Sindh which could worsen the situation in the province however there is no immediate threat of widespread heavy rainfall in Sindh as of now.

Floods revisit Sindh – Two years in a row! – Part I