Natural disasters often test the limits of politics and diplomacy. A recent example is India’s decision to alert Pakistan about possible floods, even though the Indus Waters Treaty had been suspended earlier this year after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. The move was made on humanitarian grounds, showing that when human lives are at risk, cooperation takes priority over hostility.
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, is one of the few agreements between India and Pakistan that has survived wars and decades of political tension. It sets rules on sharing information about river waters and managing emergencies like floods. But after the Pahalgam attack, India announced the suspension of the pact. Many thought this would completely end cooperation on water sharing. However, India surprised observers by still providing flood-related data to Pakistan, especially in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, which has been aimed at neutralising threats in Kashmir.
Officials explained that the alert was issued because of heavy monsoon rains and the danger of rising water levels in the Chenab, Jhelum, and other rivers that flow from India into Pakistan. Reports suggested that thousands of cubic metres of water per second were being discharged from dams such as Baglihar and Salal in Jammu. Since these rivers directly enter Pakistan, the release of excess water could worsen flooding there.
This step by India is significant because Pakistan has already been suffering from severe flooding this monsoon. According to reports, nearly 800 people have died since June, with more than 100 injured and 32 still missing. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has warned that heavy rains may continue until September, increasing the risk of more disasters. Villages have been submerged, farmlands destroyed, and families displaced.
In India too, the situation has been tense. Flash floods recently hit Jammu’s Kishtwar region on August 15, leaving many dead or missing. Uttarakhand and Kashmir have also witnessed landslides and damage caused by overflowing rivers. At least 65 people have died in these regions. Authorities have had to open floodgates at hydropower projects to release excess water, a step that helps protect dams but increases risks downstream.
Officials in Jammu and Kashmir have been issuing warnings to residents about possible surges in rivers like the Chenab and Tawi. The Meteorological Department has also issued “orange alerts” for certain districts, meaning heavy rainfall and landslides are likely. In this tense situation, the sharing of information with Pakistan is intended to give people across the border some time to prepare.
The decision to alert Pakistan despite the suspension of the Indus Treaty reflects the complexity of relations between the two nations. On one hand, political tensions remain high, especially after repeated terror attacks. On the other hand, natural disasters demand a different approach. Floodwaters do not recognise borders, and when lives are at stake, even rivals must act with responsibility.
Experts point out that such steps are also a reminder of the challenges posed by climate change. South Asia has seen increasingly unpredictable monsoons, with sudden cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides becoming more frequent. Both India and Pakistan are vulnerable to these changes, and without some level of cooperation, the damage can multiply.
For now, India’s gesture highlights a rare moment where humanitarian concerns outweighed political hostility. It also raises a bigger question: should agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty be treated as tools of politics, or as lifelines that protect millions of people on both sides of the border?
As the monsoon season continues, the focus for both countries will be on saving lives and reducing damage. Relief efforts, evacuation measures, and constant monitoring of rivers will be critical. For the affected families, what matters most is not politics but timely warnings, safe shelters, and a chance to rebuild once the rains stop.
This episode shows that even in the most difficult times, humanity can guide decisions. By alerting Pakistan, India has reminded the world that compassion should not be limited by borders.
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