India releases more water; Sutlej, Chenab on very high flood alert

Pakistan is facing a worsening flood threat after India released large volumes of water into the Sutlej, Tawi, and Chenab rivers, triggering emergency alerts across Punjab.

Authorities have warned that a large volume of water is likely to flow into the Sutlej and Tawi rivers today also. They warn that water levels continue to rise dangerously, putting lives and property at risk.

India’s water release raises tensions

The Ministry of Water Resources confirmed that India released more water into the Sutlej and Chenab rivers without using the Indus Water Commission’s official channel, instead informing Pakistan through diplomatic means. Officials described this as a violation of the Indus Waters Treaty, further straining bilateral ties. 

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According to the ministry, 28 key departments have been alerted, with the warning that “very high flood levels” are expected in the Sutlej and Chenab rivers, particularly in lower Harike, Manawar Tawi and Ferozepur, while the Tawi River poses a high flood risk in Jammu.

Earlier, India had also released water into the Sutlej and Tawi, intensifying the crisis.

Rising water levels in Chenab River

Flood control rooms and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab reported continuously alarming water inflows:

• Head Marala: 538,000 cusecs recorded

• Khanki Headworks: 517,000 cusecs

• Qadirabad Headworks: 232,450 cusecs

• Trimmu Headworks: 355,744 cusecs

• Balloki Headworks: 117,655 cusecs
• Sidhnai Headworks: 193 470 cusecs

• Chiniot Bridge: 108,343 cusecs

In Chiniot, the water flow in Chenab has risen to 112,546 cusecs, with inflows from Head Marala expected to send 468,000 cusecs downstream via Khanki and Qadirabad. A second flow of floodwater in the Chenab River is expected to pick up strength, with the water level in the river rising rapidly, as per the Flood Control Room. 

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At Qadirabad Barrage (Hafizabad), inflows have increased by 253,000 cusecs, reaching nearly 100,000 cusecs higher than previous levels.

Authorities also confirmed that the water level at Head Muhammad Wala has reached 411 feet, signaling severe flood pressure.

Sutlej River on high alert

The Sutlej River is also facing heavy inflows after India’s water release:

• Sulemanki Headworks: 122,736 cusecs

• Islam Headworks: 95,727 cusecs

Officials warned that downstream districts face an increased risk of flooding, especially with continuous rainfall forecast until September 5.

PDMA, Army, civil admin on emergency alert

PDMA Punjab Director General Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed that the civil administration, Pakistan Army, and other departments are on high alert. “Protection of citizens’ lives and property will be ensured,” he assured.

The PDMA has already issued very high flood alerts for Sutlej and Chenab, advising local authorities and communities in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant.

Rains likely to worsen situation

The PDMA also cautioned that heavy rains across multiple districts could intensify the already critical flood situation. Meteorological forecasts suggest persistent downpours until the end of the week, which may further swell river flows and breach embankments.