Flood Warning Issued in Muzaffarabad, PoK Amid Water Surge in Jhelum
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Synopsis
A flood alert has been declared in Muzaffarabad, PoK, due to a sudden increase in water levels of the Jhelum River, with locals accusing India of unannounced water releases. This situation has raised fears of flooding and escalated tensions between Pakistan and India concerning the Indus Waters Treaty.
Key Takeaways
- Flood alert issued in Muzaffarabad, PoK.
- Residents accuse India of unannounced water release.
- Local administration confirms rising water levels.
- Mosques issue warnings for evacuation.
- Experts warn of escalating tensions over the IWT.
Islamabad, April 26 (NationPress) Alerts have been raised throughout Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as the water levels of the Jhelum River surged unexpectedly on Saturday afternoon. Locals are accusing the Indian side of releasing water without prior notice to the Pakistani authorities.
Residents living along the Jhelum River from the Chakothi border to Muzaffarabad observed a significant increase in water levels, causing fears of a potential flood. Pakistan asserts that this unannounced release of water is a tactic by India to undermine the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) following the recent Pahalgam terror attack earlier this week.
The local administration in Muzaffarabad has confirmed the sudden rise in water levels, leading to a water emergency declaration in the Hattian Bala area of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Inhabitants of Hattian Bala, Ghari Dupatta, Majhoi, and Muzaffarabad verified the rising water levels, noting that mosques have issued warnings urging residents along the Jhelum River to evacuate to safer areas.
"The warning announcements have caused distress among those living near the riverbanks," reported a local from Ghari Dupatta.
Reports indicate that the water influx originated from India's Anantnag, passing through the Chakothi area.
Political analyst Javed Siddique stated, "This was unforeseen, yet it was quite anticipated following India's recent threats regarding the IWT."
Experts warn that India's recent actions of discharging water into the Jhelum River without notifying Pakistan could heighten tensions between the two nations.
“It should not be overlooked that the Indus Waters Treaty has withstood three wars and numerous regional disputes between Pakistan and India. However, India now appears ready to abandon this longstanding agreement,” remarked Siddique.
Earlier today, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif proposed a neutral and transparent investigation into the Pahalgam incident, as regional powers like Iran and Saudi Arabia have offered mediation to ease tensions.
