India’s Water Release Causes Flooding in Pakistan

In a recent development, India’s unexpected release of excess water into the Sutlej River has led to flooding in Kasur’s Ganda Singh Wala area. This deluge has submerged villages and caused widespread damage to thousands of acres of agricultural land.

Authorities have initiated rescue operations to relocate villagers and their animals to safer areas.

Flood Impacts Across Regions

In Burewala, floodwaters have inundated the Sahu Ka region and adjacent rural areas. The inundation has submerged farmland and isolated hundreds of villages due to a breach on the Sahu Ka–Chishtian road.

Farmers in Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar are witnessing the destruction of their crops, including cotton, rice, and sesame.

Villagers are evacuating their ancestral homes, carrying essential belongings through waist-deep water, seeking refuge.

River Conditions and Flood Forecasts

The Flood Forecasting Division in Lahore reports a medium flood passing through Head Sulemanki. The Chenab River is also experiencing increased water levels, with a low flood recorded at Marala and Khanki.

The River Indus shows moderate flooding at Guddu and Sukkur barrages. Tarbela, Kalabagh, and Chashma dams have high water levels, indicating a potential low flood situation.

Communication via Indus Waters Treaty

India has communicated with Pakistan through the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) regarding potential flood risks, marking their first major contact since a military standoff in May, according to sources.

New Delhi issued a warning to Pakistan about a possible major flood in the Tawi River at Jammu. The Indian High Commission in Islamabad delivered the alert on the morning of August 24.

Pakistani authorities issued warnings based on the data shared by India.

Background on IWT and Relations

Following the deaths of 26 individuals in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in April, India temporarily suspended the IWT with Pakistan.

New Delhi has accused Islamabad of orchestrating the deadly attack, allegations that Pakistan has refuted.

The two countries have conflicting views on the use of water from rivers flowing from India into Pakistan’s Indus River basin.

The IWT, facilitated by the World Bank in 1960, governs water usage and includes a dispute resolution system.

The treaty has persisted through multiple conflicts and diplomatic challenges.