India Issues Humanitarian Flood Alert to Pakistan Despite Suspended Treaty
On humanitarian grounds, India has alerted Pakistan about a potential flood situation in the Tawi river, which flows from Jammu into Pakistan. The warning was conveyed despite the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) mechanism following recent terror attacks. Heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir has caused river levels to rise dangerously. This rare diplomatic communication through India's High Commission marks the first official contact since the military's 'Operation Sindoor' and highlights a continued channel for disaster management cooperation.
Unpacked:
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 and brokered by the World Bank, governs water sharing of the Indus river system between India and Pakistan. It is a cornerstone of bilateral relations, ensuring cooperation on water resources even during tensions. Its current suspension reflects strained ties after recent terror attacks.
India communicated the flood warning on humanitarian grounds, aiming to prevent disaster in vulnerable Pakistani regions. This action, routed through diplomatic channels rather than the treaty’s usual framework, demonstrates a willingness to cooperate on disaster management despite broader diplomatic tensions.
Recent monsoon spells from late June to August have caused severe flooding and landslides, killing at least 60 people in Jammu and Kashmir, India, and nearly 800 in Pakistan, with over 1,000 injured. Authorities in both countries have issued advisories and warnings for further heavy rains.
After receiving India's alert, Pakistani disaster management authorities issued warnings for at-risk areas and activated monitoring and early warning systems. This response aimed to minimize casualties and damage from potential flooding in regions downstream of the Tawi river.