Islamabad: The Indian High Commission in Islamabad officially informed Pakistan about the release of excess water into several rivers, warning that significant floods are expected to pass through the Ravi, Chenab and Sutlej rivers on August 27.
India also issued multiple flood alerts to Pakistan, highlighting a “high probability” of flooding in the Tawi river, amid incessant rainfall across northern India that has forced authorities to open the gates of key dams, according to a PTI report.
The alerts were sent through the Ministry of External Affairs on humanitarian grounds, despite the suspension of routine hydrological data sharing under the Indus Waters Treaty.
India had suspended the regular exchange of hydrological data with Pakistan after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed by Pakistan-based terrorists. Nevertheless, India continued to communicate flood warnings to help prevent loss of life and property across the border.
Meanwhile, flash floods triggered by heavy rains have put Pakistan’s resources and resolve to the test. Since late June, more than 800 people have been killed, and houses & public infrastructure have been ravaged across vast expanses.
