Evacuations in Pakistan as Heavy Rains Continue
LAHORE: Authorities confirmed Mass Evacuations in Pakistan as tens of thousands of people were moved to safer areas. This comes after India released water from overflowing dams. Officials reported these changes on Tuesday.
The heavy water flow has affected low-lying border regions in Punjab. This action by India marked the first public contact between the two countries in months. They are both nuclear-armed nations, which makes these events significant.
Risks of Flooding
Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) acted quickly. They issued a warning to their counterparts in Punjab about rising water levels in the Sutlej River. They warned of possible flooding and encouraged evacuations in various districts.
- More than 14,000 people were moved from Kasur district.
- Over 89,000 people were relocated from Bahawalnagar, close to the Indian border.
The NDMA also advised residents to keep away from rivers and streams. They suggested avoiding travel and encouraged following alerts from media and their disaster alert app.
Continued Heavy Rains and Past Disasters
Heavy monsoon rains are affecting both India and Pakistan. In Pakistan’s northwest region, many people reported not receiving alerts before flash floods hit Buner district. Unfortunately, these floods resulted in the deaths of over 300 people.
Officials explained that a sudden cloudburst caused this devastation. Many victims were living near natural water pathways, making them vulnerable to flooding.
Since June 26, nationwide floods triggered by seasonal rains have killed more than 800 people in Pakistan. These events highlight the severe impact of monsoon seasons.
In the Indian-administered area of Jammu and Kashmir, at least 65 people have also died, and many more have been displaced. Rivers and streams in this region are overflowing. Homes are being damaged, and roads and bridges are suffering destruction.
Cross-Border River Issues
India reported that most rivers were overflowing. The Indian Meteorological Department predicts that rain will continue until Tuesday evening.
In 2014, Kashmir experienced its worst monsoon flooding in a century. This disaster resulted in over 500 deaths across the region. Sadly, these historical floods remind us of the dangers of heavy rains.
The Indus Waters Treaty and Diplomatic Relations
India communicated the flood alert to Pakistan through diplomatic channels this week. This is unusual because India did not share it through the Indus Waters Commission. The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, created this commission as a mechanism. The treaty plays a crucial role in managing water resources between India and Pakistan.
After the tragic killing of 26 tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir, Indian officials suspended the treaty. Pakistan argues that India cannot end the treaty on its own without mutual agreement.
The Indus Waters Treaty has withstood two wars-one in 1965 and another in 1971-as well as a major border conflict in 1999. The suspension of the treaty and a decline in diplomatic ties have heightened tensions. In May, both countries engaged in missile strikes. Fortunately, a ceasefire was brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Impact of Climate Change
In Pakistan, heavy rains have become more common in recent years. Scientists believe that climate change is increasing rainfall intensity, leading to fears of flooding. Pakistan’s annual monsoon season lasts from July through September.
This year’s heavy rains have raised worries that the situation could worsen, similar to the 2022 floods that affected one-third of the country and caused 1,739 deaths.
The situation is dire, with more rain expected. Both India and Pakistan must prepare for the consequences of changing weather patterns and manage their water resources intelligently.
