Pakistan is facing an escalating flood threat as India has released a massive amount of water into the Sutlej, Tawi, and Chenab rivers, prompting emergency alerts across Punjab.
Authorities have issued warnings that a large volume of water is expected to flow into the Sutlej and Tawi rivers today as well. They caution that water levels are rising to dangerous heights, putting lives and property at significant risk.
India’s Water Release Adds to Tensions
The Ministry of Water Resources has confirmed that India released additional water into the Sutlej and Chenab rivers without using the official Indus Water Commission channel, instead informing Pakistan through diplomatic channels. Officials have characterized this action as a violation of the Indus Waters Treaty, which is further straining bilateral relations.
According to the ministry, 28 key departments have been put on alert, with a warning that “very high flood levels” are anticipated in the Sutlej and Chenab rivers, particularly in Lower Harike, Manawar Tawi, and Ferozepur, while the Tawi River poses a high flood risk in Jammu. India had previously released water into the Sutlej and Tawi, which had already aggravated the crisis.
Alarming Water Levels in the Chenab River
Flood control rooms and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab have reported continuously alarming water inflows in the Chenab River:
- Head Marala: 538,000 cusecs
- Khanki Headworks: 339,470 cusecs
- Qadirabad Headworks: 232,450 cusecs
- Trimmu Headworks: 355,744 cusecs
- Balloki Headworks: 117,655 cusecs
- Sidhnai Headworks: 193,470 cusecs
- Chiniot Bridge: 108,343 cusecs
In Chiniot, the water flow in the Chenab has increased to 112,546 cusecs, with an expected flow of 468,000 cusecs from Head Marala to move downstream via Khanki and Qadirabad. According to the Flood Control Room, a second wave of floodwater in the Chenab River is anticipated to gain strength, with the river’s water level rising rapidly.
At Qadirabad Barrage (Hafizabad), inflows have surged by 253,000 cusecs, reaching a level nearly 100,000 cusecs higher than previous readings. Authorities also confirmed that the water level at Head Muhammad Wala has reached 411 feet, indicating severe flood pressure.
Sutlej River on High Alert
The Sutlej River is also experiencing significant inflows following India’s water release:
- Sulemanki Headworks: 122,736 cusecs
- Islam Headworks: 95,727 cusecs
Officials have warned that districts downstream face an elevated risk of flooding, especially with continuous rainfall forecast until September 5.
Emergency Alert for PDMA, Army, and Civil Administration
Irfan Ali Kathia, the Director General of PDMA Punjab, confirmed that the civil administration, Pakistan Army, and other departments are on high alert. He gave his assurance that “the protection of citizens’ lives and property will be ensured.”
The PDMA has already issued very high flood alerts for the Sutlej and Chenab, advising local authorities and communities in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant.
Rainfall Likely to Worsen Situation
The PDMA also cautioned that heavy rains across multiple districts could exacerbate the already critical flood situation. Meteorological forecasts suggest persistent downpours until the end of the week, which may further swell river flows and potentially lead to embankment breaches.
