ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — India has opened all gates of major dams in its part of Kashmir following heavy monsoon rains, warning neighboring Pakistan of potential flooding downstream.
The Indian government source confirmed the move on Wednesday, while Pakistan said it received the warning and promptly issued flood alerts for three rivers that flow into the country from India.
Pakistan’s Punjab province, a key agricultural region and home to half of the country’s 240 million people, faces an exceptionally high risk of flooding. Officials said the combination of heavy rains and the release of water from Indian dams could severely impact the region.
The Indian source said about 200,000 cusecs of water are likely to be released. A cusec equals one cubic foot or 28 liters of water per second. It remains unclear if this water release will be a one-time event or happen in stages.
Pakistani disaster management officials had warned earlier that India would release controlled volumes of water in the coming days. Pakistan has received two prior flood warnings from India since Sunday.
Authorities in Pakistani Punjab have called in army troops to assist with rescue, relief, and evacuation operations. Forced evacuations began on Friday, with nearly 167,000 people displaced so far, including 40,000 who left voluntarily following flood warnings issued since August 14.
The ongoing monsoon season has already caused significant damage. The death toll from flooding in Pakistan since late June stands at 802, with half of the fatalities occurring this month alone.
The two nuclear-armed neighbors have been in a tense standoff since a brief conflict in May, the worst fighting in decades. Any flooding in Pakistan linked to India could worsen relations. India often releases water from its dams when levels rise, and excess water naturally flows into Pakistan as the nations share rivers.
The rivers in Kashmir that feed into Pakistan are crucial for both countries. Sudden releases from Indian dams during heavy rains can flood downstream areas in Pakistan, affecting farmland, homes, and infrastructure.
Pakistani officials are particularly concerned about protecting crops in Punjab, the nation’s breadbasket. Floodwaters could destroy fields, livestock, and homes, creating long-term economic and social challenges.
Authorities continue to monitor water levels closely. The Pakistan Meteorological Department and disaster management officials are coordinating to provide real-time updates to communities at risk. Residents in flood-prone areas have been advised to move to higher ground and follow official instructions.
Experts say that proper preparedness and timely warnings can reduce the loss of life. Still, the scale of water released from Indian dams, combined with heavy rainfall, makes the situation dangerous.
Flooding poses serious threats to health, transportation, and communication networks. The government is distributing emergency supplies, including food, water, and medical aid, to affected areas.
As India releases water from its dams in Kashmir, Pakistan braces for potential floods in Punjab and other regions. Authorities from both countries are monitoring the situation closely. The coming days will be critical for residents and officials managing the impact of monsoon floods.
