ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) on Thursday said rescuers have evacuated thousands of people stranded in parts of the country's south after being hit by floods.

NDMA spokesman Ahmad Kamal said crews were working round the clock to rescue people and ensure the provision of food and other supplies to flood-affected persons.

He said the floods entered Sindh on Wednesday, making thousands of people homeless.

Heavy monsoon floods, which began on September 3 in Kashmir, have so far killed 523 people and affected 2 million in Pakistan and Indian-controlled Kashmir. Of those, 200 died in the India-controlled part of the Himalayan region, 64 in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, while 246 people perished across Pakistan.

Kamal said no deaths have been reported in southern Pakistan.

Water levels continue to rise at Guddu barrage

After devastating damage to settlements in Punjab, the raging waters have now made their way into Sindh, infuriating river Indus.

According to media reports, dozens of villages of Ghotki and Pano Akil were submerged with houses of the residents caved in. Land communication of areas engulfed by flood water has completely been cut off.

Water torrents has also affected Kashmoor, whereas the water has entered many settlements of Khairpur and Naushahro Feroze.

The water flow at Sukkur barrage has reached at 178,000 cusecs and reportedly hundreds of villages were drowned.

Know more: Flooding destroys nearly 2,000 schools in Punjab

The water level at Punjnad Headworks was at a constant decline but a large area of South Punjab was still immersed in water.

Dozens of villages in Thatta Sial, Muradabad and Bhattapur including Muzaffargarh remain under flood. Rupture of Noorwala Zimidara dyke in Uch Sharif caused 20 settlements to submerge in flood water.

No complacency in handling flood related risks, says Ishratul Ebad

Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan on Thursday said the province could not afford any complacency due to reported decline in ferocity of flood waters entering into its border.

Following a detailed briefing given to him by relevant authorities about precautionary measures adopted by the government to combat dangers associated with expected floods in the province, he said these were appreciable yet needed to be kept updated.

A rescue worker carries an elderly woman from an area flooded by rain. — File photo/AP

“We cannot afford any complacency and need to finalise arrangements to not only protect the vulnerable population but also ensure standby transportation arrangements and provision for essential goods in any case of need,” the governor said.

He directed concerned officials to ensure immediate transportation of all settlers in river beds to safe locations.

Dr Ebad said the provincial government has made all arrangements in accordance to its capacities, however, there was still a need to be complimented by social welfare and philanthropic associations.

“Their support is crucial as velocity of natural disasters are increasing with every passing year and no government can single-handedly brave the challenge,” the governor said.

He said ferocity of floods and the damages caused in previous years can not be ignored nor any complacency is advisable.

Addressing the provincial secretary for settlement, deputy commissioners of flood prone and high risks areas, disaster management authorities and those representing administration, the governor said situation is quite fluid as a minor development can trigger into major issue.

“Climatic changes and indifference towards protection of natural resources have tremendously enhanced our vulnerability,” he elaborated.

It is therefore extremely important, said Dr Ebad to constantly review schemes made to move people and their movable property including cattle as well as other essential belongings in case of any emergency.

“Coordination with all concerned agencies including meteorological department is equally relevant so as to keep abreast of any emergency situation,” he said.

“There is every possibility that low lying areas as well as people who had moved into river beds during dry seasons could be exposed to any difficult situation,” he added.

He emphasised on the importance of an efficient and active communication network coupled with round the clock functioning of health centres.

Bilawal Bhutto urges PPP ministers to focus on relief work

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has stressed the party ministers to focus on the relief and rescue operations in the aftermath of flooding in the province.

He requested the PPP Sindh president and chief minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah to ensure that all party ministers devote their entire energies in ameliorating the sufferings of flood victims.

Bilawal also said that this was not the time for sit-ins but to stand as one nation for our brothers and sisters in need.