India alerts Pakistan of Tawi river flood threat — “on humanitarian grounds”
Srinagar, Aug 25: Despite the ongoing suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) following the Pahalgam terror attack, India has conveyed a warning to Pakistan about a potential flood in the Tawi River—a move described as rooted in humanitarian concern. According to sources, the Ministry of Jal Shakti detected the high flood levels and relayed the alert to the Ministry of External Affairs, which then passed it on to Islamabad.
While the formal mechanisms of the IWT—in which flood data traditionally flows via the Indus Water Commissioners—are currently inactive, India chose to share critical information through diplomatic channels to help avert disaster
According to the Pakistani media outlet The News, India shared the information with Pakistan through the Indian High commission in Pakistan, marking the first significant exchange since the treaty's suspension following the Pahalgam terror attack. Typically, such notifications occur via the Indus Water Commission, but those channels remain inactive. Pakistani authorities reportedly issued warnings based on the information, though neither country has officially confirmed the development.
This alert underscores that even during strained diplomatic times, essential disaster warnings can transcend political barriers.
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, governs how India and Pakistan share rivers derived from the Indus Basin. Water from the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) is allocated entirely to India, while the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) primarily serve Pakistan The Indian ExpressBusiness Standard.
In April, following the Pahalgam terror attack, India placed the IWT "in abeyance", suspending treaty obligations until Pakistan demonstrably halts its involvement in cross‑border terrorism.
This action illustrates that even amid deep political tensions, channels for humanitarian communication can still operate. Transparent exchange of critical data—like flood warnings—can make a significant difference in preventing regional disasters, regardless of broader diplomatic standing.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of Pakistan has already issued alerts for heavy monsoon rains expected through August 30.
