India, despite having suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), has issued a flood warning to Pakistan via a diplomatic channel. This unusual move, bypassing the official treaty mechanisms, was a direct communication from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad to Pakistani authorities. The alert was a humanitarian gesture in response to heavy rainfall and potential flooding in the Tawi River region of Jammu.
Record Rainfall Triggers Flood Risk
The flood alert was prompted by one of the heaviest August downpours in Jammu in over a century, with some areas receiving 190.4 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours. This led to widespread flooding in low-lying localities and caused the swelling of several rivers, including the Tawi, Chenab, Ujh, Ravi, and Basantar. Disaster response units were deployed to manage the situation.
Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
The IWT, established in 1960, governs the sharing of the Indus River system between the two nations. However, India formally placed the treaty in abeyance following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. New Delhi cited cross-border terrorism, outdated terms, and Islamabad’s refusal to renegotiate as the reasons for its decision.
Diplomatic Fallout and Broader Implications
Pakistan reacted strongly to the treaty’s suspension, calling it an “act of war” and retaliating by revoking bilateral agreements, suspending trade, and limiting diplomatic staff. Pakistan also vowed to lodge formal protests with the United Nations and the World Bank.
Even as the water-sharing framework is suspended, India’s decision to alert Pakistan about flood risks stands out as a humanitarian gesture amid escalating tensions. It marks the first time such health and safety-related information has been shared through diplomatic channels instead of the technical treaty mechanism.
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