India issues flood alerts to Pakistan amid heavy rains, warns of rising waters in Ravi, Chenab, Sutlej and Tawi

PTC Web Desk: The Indian High Commission in Islamabad on Wednesday officially informed Pakistan about the release of excess water into several rivers, cautioning that major floods are expected to flow through the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers on August 27.

According to information, India has issued multiple flood warnings to Pakistan, including a specific advisory about the “high probability” of flooding in the Tawi river. The alerts were prompted by incessant rainfall across northern India, which forced the authorities to open floodgates of key dams.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared the information with Pakistan on humanitarian grounds, even though routine hydrological data sharing under the Indus Waters Treaty remains suspended. The first warning was conveyed on Monday, followed by subsequent alerts on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Tawi river, which originates in the Himalayas and flows through Jammu before merging with the Chenab in Pakistan, has been identified as particularly vulnerable to flooding.

India suspended regular water data exchanges with Pakistan after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 persons, mostly tourists, were killed by Pakistan-based terrorists. Despite this, New Delhi has continued to share flood-related alerts to help reduce potential damage to life and property across the border.

Meanwhile, in Punjab, the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers, along with several seasonal rivulets, are overflowing due to heavy rainfall in their catchment areas. Jammu has also been battered by continuous showers, leading to dangerously high water levels and the opening of sluice gates at several reservoirs.

The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 under the World Bank’s mediation, continues to be the primary framework for managing water-sharing arrangements between India and Pakistan.