India Alerts Pakistan of Major Flood Risk Under Indus Waters Treaty
India has formally alerted Pakistan about the risk of a potential major flood under the framework of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), despite New Delhi previously announcing the suspension of the agreement earlier this year. According to official sources, the Indian High Commission in Islamabad contacted Pakistani authorities on August 24 at 10:00 AM, warning of possible severe flooding in the Tawi River near Jammu.
This advance warning comes at a crucial time when heavy monsoon rains have already put several rivers across Pakistan under stress. While India had earlier suspended the treaty in April and even forced Pakistani nationals to leave its territory within 48 hours, the recent alert indicates that communication under the IWT framework is still being maintained in matters of emergency.
The notification highlights the possibility of overflowing river waters that could impact downstream areas, posing risks of flash floods, property damage, and displacement of communities in sensitive zones. Sources say the warning aims to allow Pakistan enough time to take precautionary measures, activate flood control systems, and alert local authorities.
The development is significant because earlier this year, India not only suspended the Indus Waters Treaty but also closed the Attari and Wagah border crossings and barred Pakistani citizens from traveling under the SAARC visa exemption scheme. Tensions further escalated after Pakistan approached the Court of Arbitration in 2016 against India’s construction of illegal reservoirs on the western rivers, a case where international arbitration had already issued supplemental awards in Pakistan’s favor.
Analysts believe that despite political and diplomatic hostilities, India’s latest flood alert reflects the continuing relevance of the Indus Waters Treaty as a framework for cross-border water management and disaster warnings. However, concerns remain about whether New Delhi will consistently honor such obligations given its earlier unilateral suspension of the treaty.
For Pakistan, the priority now lies in closely monitoring river levels, preparing for emergency relief operations, and maintaining international pressure on India regarding treaty violations. Authorities in Islamabad are already coordinating with provincial disaster management teams to assess the situation and minimize potential losses.
Stay updated with MegaNews.tv for the latest updates on Pakistan’s flood alerts, Indus Waters Treaty disputes, and regional security developments.
