India Releases Water into Sutlej, Ravi Rivers, Forcing Mass Evacuations in Pakistan

A massive evacuation effort is underway in Pakistan as India has released a large amount of water into the Sutlej and Ravi rivers, prompting flood warnings in the region. The sudden release of water has put the lives of thousands of people at risk, with nearly 150,000 individuals being evacuated from the affected areas. The Pakistani government has issued flood warnings, urging people to move to safer locations immediately. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has been working closely with the provincial governments to evacuate people from the low-lying areas. The affected areas include the districts of Sialkot, Narowal, and Shakargarh, where the rivers are expected to overflow. The Indian government’s decision to release water into the rivers has been criticized by Pakistan, which claims that it was not informed about the move. The Pakistani government has accused India of violating the Indus Waters Treaty, which regulates the sharing of water resources between the two countries. The treaty was signed in 1960 and is considered a vital agreement for the management of water resources in the region. The Indian government has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the release of water was necessary due to heavy rainfall in the region. However, the Pakistani government has expressed concerns that the sudden release of water could cause widespread flooding and damage to crops and infrastructure. The NDMA has warned that the floodwaters could affect several districts in Punjab, including Sialkot, Narowal, and Sheikhupura. The authority has also warned that the floodwaters could cause breaches in the rivers’ embankments, which could lead to further flooding. The Pakistani army has been deployed to assist in the evacuation efforts, with troops and equipment being dispatched to the affected areas. The government has also established relief camps for the evacuated people, where they are being provided with food, shelter, and medical care. The situation is being closely monitored by the authorities, with the NDMA providing regular updates on the flood situation. The Pakistani government has also appealed to the international community for assistance, stating that the country needs help to deal with the flood crisis. The United Nations has expressed concern over the situation, with the organization’s humanitarian agency stating that it is ready to provide assistance to the affected people. The flood crisis has also sparked a diplomatic row between Pakistan and India, with the two countries exchanging heated statements over the issue. The Pakistani government has summoned the Indian high commissioner to protest the release of water into the rivers, while the Indian government has denied any wrongdoing. The situation remains tense, with the floodwaters continuing to rise and the evacuation efforts ongoing. The Pakistani government has urged people to remain calm and to follow the instructions of the authorities, while the NDMA has warned that the flood situation could worsen in the coming days. The international community is watching the situation closely, with many countries expressing concern over the flood crisis and the diplomatic row between Pakistan and India.

Source