A sudden surge in water flow has caused moderate flooding in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Authorities have issued warnings urging residents to remain alert.
In a brief statement on Saturday, the divisional administration of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, said that India has released more water than usual into the Jhelum River, leading to sudden flooding. A spokesperson for the Muzaffarabad administration stated, “Due to India’s increased release of water into the Jhelum River, moderate flooding has occurred.”
According to Pakistan’s Dunya News, India released the water without informing Pakistan, resulting in a rapid rise in the river’s water levels. Local mosques were heard making public announcements to alert residents, causing widespread fear among communities living near the riverbanks.
The released water is entering Pakistan from Anantnag in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir through Chakothi.
The Jhelum River is a tributary of the Indus River, which is covered under the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan. However, India has recently suspended the treaty, warning that it would block all water flow to Pakistan. In response, Pakistan has declared that any attempt to stop the river’s flow would be considered an act of war, promising military retaliation if necessary.
Amid these heightened tensions, Bilawal Bhutto, a leader of Pakistan’s People’s Party (PPP), warned India, stating, “Either the waters of the Indus will flow, or Indian blood will flow.”
India’s Water Resources Minister C.R. Patil recently announced that India is working to ensure that not a single drop of river water flows into Pakistan. He stated that the government is preparing a roadmap, including short, medium, and long-term measures to divert the rivers and block the water flow.
This escalation follows a deadly attack earlier this week in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people were killed. India has accused Pakistan of indirect involvement in the attack and subsequently suspended the Indus Waters Treaty.