representative image
India Alerts Pakistan to Cross-Border Flood Risk
India has warned Pakistan of potential flooding from the Tawi and Sutlej rivers following heavy monsoon rains and rising reservoir levels. The message was conveyed through India’s High Commission in Islamabad, marking an unusual move outside the suspended Indus Waters Treaty framework.
A Humanitarian Gesture Amid Diplomatic Strains
Officials described the alert as a humanitarian measure, noting it was the first formal communication between the two countries in months. Despite bilateral tensions and India’s suspension of water-sharing treaty mechanisms earlier this year, New Delhi chose to issue the warning directly due to the severity of the flood threat.
Flood Impact in India and Pakistan
In Jammu & Kashmir, floods triggered by intense monsoon rains have already claimed more than 60 lives. Pakistan, meanwhile, has recorded nearly 800 deaths from flooding since late June, with further rainfall expected to worsen the crisis through early September.
Pakistan’s Response
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed receiving the flood alert but noted it was sent outside of treaty procedures. Islamabad urged India to resume cooperation under the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that its suspension could undermine regional stability in managing shared river systems.
