Sukkur Commissioner Sukkur Division, Abid Saleem Qureshi, held a meeting with a delegation of the World Health Organization (WHO) led by Dr. Dapeng Luo, WHO Representative in Pakistan.
Adnan Athar
Sukkur Commissioner Sukkur Division, Abid Saleem Qureshi, held a meeting with a delegation of the World Health Organization (WHO) led by Dr. Dapeng Luo, WHO Representative in Pakistan. The delegation included Dr. Mukhtiar Bhayo, Dr. Shabir Ahmed, and Dr. Zameer Ahmed. Additional Commissioner-I Dr. Muhammad Aamir Ansari, Additional Commissioner-II Muhammad Hajjan Ujjan, Deputy Commissioner Sukkur Nadir Shehzad Khan, Deputy DG Health Dr. Zaheeruddin Memon, DHO Sukkur Dr. Ali Gul Shah, along with officers from PPHI, Rescue 1122, Irrigation, and other relevant departments were also present.
Commissioner Sukkur briefed the delegation on preparedness measures in view of possible flooding in the Indus River. He informed that, in case of a super flood, 753 villages, a population of around 360,000, and over 500,000 livestock may be affected. Arrangements have been made for evacuation through boats and transport, while 155 schools and government buildings have been designated as relief camps.
He added that the Sindh Government has taken comprehensive steps to safeguard lives and property. Separate medical camps for people and livestock will be established at each relief camp, where doctors and paramedical staff, equipped with essential life-saving medicines, have been deployed. In case of a 700,000 cusecs flow, only low-lying areas would be affected, while a 1,000,000 cusecs flow (super flood) would inundate the entire riverine belt, impacting a much larger population.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Dapeng Luo appreciated the Sindh Government’s enhanced preparations. He noted that in natural disasters, more fatalities often occur after the event due to outbreaks of malaria, diarrhea, dengue, and other communicable diseases. He emphasized the importance of preventive arrangements and assured full support from WHO.
Dr. Luo further stated that WHO had already provided the Health Department with anti-malarial medicines, zinc, ORS, and other essential supplies prior to the floods, and additional assistance would be made available if required.
