Sudden Indian water release into Chenab sparks flood alert in Pakistan

After an unexpected 24-hour halt, India abruptly unleashed a significant volume of water into the Chenab River, causing a sharp spike in water levels at Head Marala, officials confirmed on Wednesday.

What had been a near-dry riverbed quickly turned into a gushing waterway, with flows surging to 28,000 cusecs, according to irrigation department sources.

Experts have raised serious concerns about potential flooding, warning that the abrupt release could become more hazardous as water levels are projected to climb further through the night. Authorities in vulnerable areas have been placed on high alert.

Analysts criticized India’s move, claiming it violates the Indus Waters Treaty and increases the flood threat for Pakistan. The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has responded by initiating round-the-clock monitoring of the river’s inflows and outflows to prevent any untoward incidents.

The impact of India’s sudden water management changes is also being felt in Indian-occupied Kashmir, where emergency alerts were issued in Akhnoor. Authorities began evacuating residents living near the riverbanks due to anticipated water surges.

Just hours before the sudden release, the Chenab’s flow had dropped so drastically that locals in some areas were reportedly able to cross the river on foot—highlighting the severe and unpredictable nature of these fluctuations.

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