Sudden Floods in Pakistan Triggered by India's Water Releases
Flooding Devastates Villages and Farmland in Kasur and Bahawalpur
A sudden release of excess water by India into the Sutlej River caused immediate and widespread flooding in Kasur’s Ganda Singh Wala and parts of Bahawalpur, leading to the submersion of villages and thousands of acres of farmland.
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Water levels at Ganda Singh Wala are soaring above 21 feet, with flows exceeding 130,000 cusecs, prompting a high flood alert.
More than 30 villages—including Nagra Aimanpura, Mabooki, Basti Ibrahim, and Fatiwala—have been cut off, and a child drowned in Arifwala, the local authorities reported.
Thousands of acres of crops, including staples like cotton, paddy, maize, and rice, have been destroyed across Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar, devastating the livelihoods of agrarian families.
Villagers waded through waist-deep water, forced to abandon ancestral homes. Rescue operations have relocated hundreds of people and livestock to relief camps in schools.
Broader Flood Warning Across Punjab
Several rivers are showing elevated water levels:
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River Chenab is seeing medium to low-level flood conditions.
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The Indus River is experiencing moderate flooding near Guddu and Sukkur.
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Water levels at Tarbela, Kalabagh, and Chashma barrages are high enough to warrant low flood alerts.
The PDMA and Flood Forecasting Division warn that a seventh monsoon spell (August 24–27) could further swell surrogate rivers like Jhelum and Ravi, threatening more flooding and landslides.
Authorities have evacuated over 19,000 people from Sindhu's dangerous stretches, while rescue teams in districts like Kapurthala are working around the clock.
A distressing tragedy also occurred in Hoshiarpur, where a man was swept away by torrential flows and his body recovered downstream.
A Fragile Waters Treaty Shrouds Relations
This crisis unfolds amid heightened Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) tensions. India’s recent suspension of the treaty—following the Pahalgam attack—has already sent ripples across bilateral trust.
Despite the treaty’s abeyance, India reached out via the IWT framework to alert Pakistan of a potential flood in the Tawi River—the first such contact since the May military standoff.
Experts warn that undermining this treaty threatens regional water security and could trigger long-term animosity.
Listen to the Ground — Villagers’ Voices
“Our children are starving, and no aid has arrived. Livestock are dying; we’re being let down by empty promises,” said one resident.
“We’re having to save lives ourselves—relief camps are just names on paper,” lamented another.Why This Matters
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The Sutlej floods underscore how upstream actions can devastate downstream communities, especially without timely warnings.
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The crisis highlights the crucial role of treaties like the IWT, which—despite political strains—remain vital humanitarian tools.
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As floods escalate, swift rescue operations and fair compensation can mean the difference between survival and catastrophe.
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