HYDERABAD, May 17: A survey by an NGO revealed that crops on 35,000 acres and 41,000 people were affected in Matiari district during recent breach in Rohri Canal.

The survey, conducted by disaster risk reduction sector of Sindh Agricultural and Forestry workers Coordinating Organisation (Safwco), said crops of cotton, mango orchards and vegetables were submerged on 35,000 acres in the union council of Bhale Dino Kaka. The breach water also affected 35 villages.

The 250ft-wide breach was plugged after 36 hours. Electric supply was also affected to the area and drinking water became contaminated. Thirty-three animals were killed and 12 poultry farms were damaged; 19 primary schools were also submerged and 41,000 affected people left their homes.

Safwco head Suleman Abro said his organisation did not trust the claims of the government that embankments of canals were being strengthened and encroachments were being removed.