KARACHI, July 28: Relief operations in the rain-affected areas of Sindh were hampered due to the absence of logistics, required infrastructure and proper planning to meet such emergencies.

The disaster relief cell, which in the early days used to coordinate all emergency operations, was virtually non-existent and the concerned departments were operating as independent fiefdoms. Political bickering has further aggravated the situation.

In addition to lack of coordination, the problem has been compounded by the inefficiency of concerned departments and encroachments on the natural storm-water drains, by the builder mafia and landgrabbers.

As no fumigation or aerial spray of the breeding points of mosquitoes, flies and other insects was undertaken prior to the rains, doctors fear outbreak of epidemics.

In Karachi, the city administration does not have enough de-watering pumps.

Major storm-water drains have been choked by sewage and encroachments which have emerged in the form of multi-storey buildings and kutchi abadis. Almost all the drains which pass through the city have been encroached upon and choked over the years.

Situation has become alarming because storm-water courses, which contribute water from the catchment area to Lyari river, have also choked. According to official record, peak discharge in Lyari river during the past 50 years at Sohrab Goth was 25,000 cusecs whereas the same at Mauripur end was 50,000 cusecs which is equivalent to off-peak discharge of Jhelum. According to theKarachi Flood Control Plan, in 1977, when 7.6 inch of rain was recorded in a 48 hour spell, flow rate of Lyari discharge was 1,440m3/s. During the past 100 years, it was 2,950m3/s.

Situation may take an ugly turn in case of more rains in the catchment areas of Lyari and Malir rivers.

Rescue operation has also suffered owing to lack of proper planning. Helicopters and other equipment that may be used in such an emergency, could not be geared up owing to poor maintenance.

The two helicopters of the Sindh Police — seven-seater Bell 206 and the twin-engine Bell 412 — which were acquired in the early ‘90’s, are not operational. One of the engines of the Bell 412 had developed some trouble during the anti-dacoits operation in Kashmore area and was eventually grounded. Normally these helicopters were used for ferrying VIPs.

The Edhi’s five-seater 206B helicopter, is also unserviceable for the last one and half month. Only one helicopter — a seven seater MI-2 of Russian origin owned by Dewan Aviation — was being used in the relief operation in Badin area.

According to sources, Army had called in a helicopter from Multan for the relief operation but it was not sure whether it could make it owing to bad weather. Air Force and Navy helicopters were fitted for specific reconnaissance and support operations.

While the situation in Karachi is bad, it is even worse in Thatta and other parts of the province because the district and other machinery lacked the requisite infrastructure.