SUKKUR, May 8: Cotton and rice crops in Sukkur and Larkana divisions, and in some parts of Balochistan, have been badly hit due to water shortage.

Shortage of water in the reservoirs of Tarbela and Taunsa dams has slumped to an alarming level, a source of Irrigation Department said on Wednesday.

At present 34,000 and 30,000 cusecs of water is flowing at Guddu and Sukkur barrages, respectively.

Sources said that within the next few days, the flow of water downstream is likely to fall further.

The Irrigation Department has, however, opened the Ghotki Canal and Desert Pat Feeder Canal from Guddu, but the flow of water is so low that growers are not benefiting from it.

B.S. Feeder, which was to be opened on May 1, is still closed. The feeder irrigate parts of Balochistan.

Similarly, Kirthar canal is also closed which was also supposed to open on May 1.

Agriculture experts say that late sowing of crops would yield 50 per cent less produce, and water scarcity is likely to further worsen the situation.

Irrigation authorities said that there is no possibility of increase in water flow till May 25. Rohri, Nara, Mirwah and Ubul Wah canals are flowing 50 per cent less than their strength.

GASTERO ON THE RISE: Inclement weather and gastero disease has claimed one more life in Jacobabad. A large number of patients have been admitted in Civil Hospital who are suffering from gastero and dehydration due to surge of mercury.