India could trigger floods in Pakistan, weather department’s alert create panic in Islamabad due to…; Here’s what is happening
Tensions between India and Pakistan over river water sharing have flared up again. On Tuesday, Pakistan’s weather department (PMD) warned that if India releases too much water from rivers that flow into Pakistan, it could lead to flooding in many areas. The warning comes at a time when heavy monsoon rains are expected, along with the risk of sudden floods caused by melting glaciers, known as Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
According to a report in The Express Tribune, most rivers in Pakistan are currently stable, but there is a growing risk of flooding in the Chenab River. PMD Director General, Mehr Sahibzad Khan, said that due to water storage in Indian dams, the Ravi River is not under threat at the moment. He added, “There is no immediate risk of flooding in the Jhelum and Sutlej rivers, but the Chenab River remains a concern.”
More rains on the horizon
Khan noted that the current monsoon spell is likely to last until Friday, July 25, followed by another round of heavy showers towards the end of the month. This continued rainfall, especially in the northern regions, could raise water levels dangerously and increase the flood threat.
“Rain is steadily raising dam levels, and though things are under control, the danger hasn’t passed. A new weather system is expected by month’s end, and it may bring intense rainfall,” he warned.
Melting glaciers, global crisis, Pakistan pays the price
Despite contributing minimally to global carbon emissions, Pakistan remains one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Khan pointed to rising climate unpredictability, cloudbursts, and rapid glacier melt as growing threats.
“Pakistan’s share in global pollution is negligible, yet we are among the worst-hit by climate shifts,” he said. “Unusually heavy rainfall and rapidly melting glaciers are creating dangerous and unpredictable conditions.”
With already strained resources and a fragile climate, Pakistan now braces for a critical few weeks—caught between nature’s fury and geopolitical anxieties.
Pakistan clarifies Islamabad & Chakwal floods
Amid rising concerns over flash floods in parts of Pakistan, Khan clarified that the recent deluge in Islamabad’s Saidpur village and Chakwal was not caused by cloudbursts, but by prolonged heavy rainfall and poor urban planning.
“A cloudburst is defined as rainfall exceeding 100 mm within an hour,” Khan explained. “In Saidpur, the rain lasted over 24 hours, this wasn’t a cloudburst. The flooding was made worse by illegal construction blocking natural drainage channels.”
GLOF alert for Northern Pakistan
The PMD has issued a high-alert warning for Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) due to the threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods. Rapid glacier melt, combined with persistent monsoon rains, has created conditions ripe for sudden and destructive flooding.
In its daily advisory, the department warned: “Rising temperatures and intense rain can trigger the sudden release of water from glacial lakes. This could lead to flash floods in rivers and inundate low-lying areas.”
All disaster response agencies have been urged to remain on high alert as Pakistan battles extreme weather, melting glaciers, and the ongoing impact of climate change.
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