Sindh-Punjab traffic cut as highway flooded

Updated at: 0623 PST,  Thursday, August 12, 2010  SUKKUR: The traffic between Sindh and Punjab has been suspended as floodwaters have inundated national highways from many points after a big crack appeared in a canal at Kot Sabzal near Sadiqabad, Geo News reported. The floodwater is flowing at 11,20,000 cusecs at Sukkur Barrage while it has maintained flow at 10,15000 cusecs at Guddu Barrage, irrigation department told media. Meanwhile, many cracks have been appearing in a Bunder wall built along River Indus as security embankment in Sukkur district due to constant pressure of water in river. Floodtides have played devastation in Adda Basiran of Muzaffargarh and now are heading to Khan Garh and Rohela Waliki. More than 100 villages of Noshero Feroz have been submerged while flash floods are marching towards Jacobabad. Most protection bunds along Indus River in Larkana have been sustaining immense pressure while most Katchi Abadies have been washed away by floodwaters in the area. Water pressure has been mounting persistently at Jamsheed Pur Loop Dyke, Alraja Gar Dyke and Fareedabad Dyke, which could be wiped away at anytime. 80 towns in Shah Jamal of Muzaffargarh have been affected. Meanwhile, more heavy rains in Malakand Division have killed more than 200 people, washing away over 150 link-bridges, hundreds of houses and shops. Thousands of people have been trapped within their areas with their residences completely destroyed. Flood-victims trapped in various areas of Kohistan District have been waiting for relief goods for last 15 days. 40-kilogram flour price has surged up to Rs.5000 is some areas. Skin and other diseases are breaking out in flood-stricken places.