Pakistan: A flash flood struck Pakistan especially around Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This flash flood in Jhelum river in Pakistan has occurred amidst the growing tension between India and the neighbouring country following the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan has blamed India for suddenly opening doors to water to the Jhelum river without notice, leading to a declaration of a water emergency in Hattian Bala. The Pahalgam terror attack reportedly claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists. In response to the brutal attack India has taken a firm decision by suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, sending a strong message to Pakistan to stop its support for cross-border terrorism. The Indus River system is vital to Pakistan’s agriculture, which is the backbone of its economy. Nearly 90% of Pakistan’s agricultural water supply depends on Indus basin water. Any disruption to the supply of water would worsen water shortage, reduce yields of crops, and kindle domestic unrest, especially in the water-deficient provinces of Punjab and Sindh. With India’s decision to halt sharing hydrological data, Pakistan will likely have far-reaching consequences.
Flash floods hit Pakistan as water in Jhelum river surges
