150,000 already saved, India sends another flood warning to Pakistan: High probability of Tawi spate

In a gesture of goodwill, India on Wednesday  (Aug 27) issued a fresh alert to Pakistan over the risk of flooding in the Tawi river after heavy rainfall in northern states forced the release of excess water from dams, official sources said.

The latest warning follows earlier alerts that prompted Pakistani authorities to evacuate more than 1.5 lakh people from low-lying areas near three major rivers in Punjab province, a key agricultural hub.

“We issued alerts on Tuesday and Wednesday about the high probability of flooding in the Tawi river, as dam gates had to be opened due to excessive rains,” a source told PTI.

The Ministry of External Affairs conveyed the warnings on humanitarian grounds, despite India suspending routine data-sharing under the Indus Waters Treaty after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.

The Tawi, originating in the Himalayas and flowing through Jammu before merging with the Chenab in Pakistan, is among several rivers in spate. In Punjab, the Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers, along with seasonal rivulets, are running above danger levels, while Jammu too has seen heavy downpours.

Pakistan, already reeling from devastating monsoon spells between June 26 and August 20 that killed 788 people and injured over 1,000, continues to face fresh flooding. The National Disaster Management Authority has warned of more rains across most regions until August 30.

According to Reuters, officials said India’s planned water release combined with ongoing rainfall poses a serious threat to Punjab province, underscoring the scale of the crisis as both countries battle weeks of relentless flooding.