Lake Manchar (, ), also spelled Manchhar, is the largest natural freshwater lake in Pakistan, and is one of South Asia's largest. It is located west of the Indus River, in Jamshoro District and Dadu District, Sindh - 18 km away from Sehwan Sharif. Lake Manchar collects water from numerous small streams in the Kirthar Mountains, and then empties into the Indus River. The lake's surface area fluctuates with the seasons, from as little as 36 km², to as much as 500 km² during monsoon rains. History The lake's banks and vicinity are home to ancient archaeological sites Ghazi Shah, Wahi Pandhi Ali Murad Mound. The sites of Lal Chatto, Mashak Lohri and Lakhiyo situated along the edge of Lake Manchar are the most ancient sites, which date from the Harappan culture. The lake was formed when a branch of the Indus River flowed from Kashmore. In 1921, it was connected to Hamal Lake via the Main Nara Valley Drain. In 1958, the lake completely evaporated due to drought. Between 10 August and 23 August 2009, of water was introduced in the lake via Indus River. In the 2010 Pakistan floods, the lake overflowed due to a high inflow of water. During the 2022 Pakistan floods it again overflowed, and efforts were made to assist its drainage. Engineers made a cut into the lake to assist its drainage to protect the city of Sehwan and the town of Bhan Syedabad, at the cost of flooding many villages that are home to 150,000 people. Officials hope it will protect up to 500,000 people from flooding. Geography Lake Manchar is directly south of Hamal Lake, and the two are connected by the Main Nara Valley Drain built in 1921. Manchar lake's surface area fluctuates with the seasons - from as little as 200 km² to as much as 500 km² during monsoon rains. The average depth is only 2.5 to 3.75 metres. It is 6 metres lower than the bed of the Indus, and sometimes catches floodwater from the river, while in winter when the river is low, water flows from the lake into the Indus. Freshwater flow from canals amounts to 1.54 MAF, and rainfall in the area averages only 4.46 inches annual. The southern end of the lake is at the base of the Laki Hills, a branch of the Kirthar Mountains, and water flows to the Indus via the