ISLAMABAD: India has opened the spillway of a dam on the Poonch River, causing a high-level flood threat across parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The sudden release of water has rapidly increased the river’s flow, endangering low-lying villages and urban settlements.
According to officials, India did not issue any prior notice before opening the spillway, prompting Pakistan to term the act as “water aggression.” The move has put several areas including Batal, Dharmshal, Tatta Pani, and Kotli on alert. Inhabitants living near the river have been warned to prepare for evacuation if the water level continues to rise.
The AJK district administration has issued a red alert and launched precautionary measures. Rescue teams, including Rescue 1122, local administration, and volunteers, have been mobilized. Citizens have been asked to avoid riverbanks and immediately relocate to higher ground.
Experts warn that continued water inflow from upstream could submerge roads, homes, and farmlands. Local officials also raised concerns about damage to infrastructure and power lines in the affected areas. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has been instructed to closely monitor the situation and stay in contact with local officials.
This escalation comes amid growing tension between India and Pakistan over cross-border water issues. Environmental analysts urge both countries to respect existing water treaties and set up emergency coordination to avoid humanitarian crises in vulnerable regions like AJK.