The abrupt discharge on Saturday led to widespread panic in PoK’s Hattian Bala district, forcing riverside residents to flee to higher ground
Digital Desk: The sudden increase of water levels in the Jhelum River forced Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to enact an emergency response as Indian authorities released water from Uri Dam without prior warning. The unexpected water release that started on Saturday triggered mass panic throughout Hattian Bala district in PoK as people running towards higher elevations.
Local authorities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) strongly objected to the water release because it violated international standards and the Indus Waters Treaty, which the World Bank helped establish in 1960. After India suspended the IWT on 23rd April they took a stance against Pahalgam terror attackers who killed 27 people thereby worsening the already negative India-Pakistan relationship.
In Muzaffarabad and Chakoti officials used loudspeakers to alert the local communities about growing floodwater threats while ordering residents to evacuate their homes right away. Residents faced unexpected flooding, after which they observed disorderly scenes when water entered their houses and agricultural lands. Dumel resident Muhammad Asif said that he and others lacked proper notice about what was happening. The localities faced major difficulties while protecting their families along with their property.
The flooding in Kohala and Dhalkot areas along with unknown damage to crops and livestock stands as moderate water damage in the region. . PoK authorities have labelled the incident as an act of “water terrorism,” citing India’s failure to issue prior notification, as required under the IWT.
Everyone has been instructed to stay away from riverbanks and stop all fishing activities together with local livestock grazing in the area. Meanwhile, Indian officials have yet to issue an official statement, though as per reports, suggest the water release from the Indian dam served a regular maintenance function during heavy rain conditions.
The Unexpected water release from India's Uri Dam on the Jhelum River has caused flooding in Al Khalid Abad, Balochistan, prompting Pakistan to deploy its army in the affected area.
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