India has officially alerted Pakistan about the risk of a major flood under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). According to official sources, the notice was sent on August 24 through the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
The warning highlighted the possibility of severe flooding in the Tawi River, located near Jammu. Pakistani authorities confirmed they received the communication and began monitoring the situation closely.
This development is significant because India had earlier suspended the Indus Waters Treaty. In April this year, New Delhi also ordered Pakistani nationals to leave the country within 48 hours. At that time, India closed the Attari and Wagah border crossings and revoked travel under the SAARC visa exemption scheme.
Despite the suspension, India chose to inform Pakistan of the potential flood threat. Analysts say this shows the importance of water-sharing mechanisms between the two neighbors, especially during times of natural risk.
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, governs the distribution of river waters between India and Pakistan. Over the years, the agreement has faced disputes. In 2016, Pakistan moved the Court of Arbitration against India’s construction of water reservoirs on western rivers. India, in response, asked for the appointment of a neutral expert to resolve technical issues.
The latest notification comes as South Asia faces heavy monsoon rains. Flood alerts are critical for downstream areas in Pakistan, where river swelling can threaten villages and farmland.
Officials in Islamabad said they are taking precautionary measures and keeping disaster response agencies on standby. They also noted that the advance warning provides time to reduce damage if water levels rise.
While political ties remain tense, the exchange under the treaty shows a functional channel of communication still exists. For both countries, experts believe cooperation on water-related issues remains essential for regional stability.
For related coverage, check the latest Karachi rains live weather updates for Aug 20-21.
