Muzaffarabad: Authorities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) declared a water emergency on Saturday after the River Jhelum’s water levels rose sharply, triggering widespread concern across the Muzaffarabad region.
Local residents reported a sudden surge in the river, stretching from Chakothi near the Line of Control to Muzaffarabad city. Officials confirmed the rise, issuing alerts across vulnerable areas including Hattian Bala, Ghari Dupatta, Majhoi, and Muzaffarabad.
Amid mounting panic, mosque loudspeakers urged communities along the riverbanks to evacuate to safer ground. Media reports indicated that water from India’s Anantnag region had entered PoK through the Chakothi area, exacerbating fears of potential flooding.
Pakistan has alleged that India deliberately released water without prior coordination, accusing New Delhi of using water flows as a pressure tactic following the recent Pahalgam attack on April 22. Authorities in Islamabad linked the move to India’s earlier announcement of suspending cooperation under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
Experts in Pakistan described the development as “unexpected,” but said it aligned with India’s recent strategic posture regarding the IWT.
As the situation evolves, officials have intensified monitoring efforts along the river, warning that further rises could worsen conditions in the coming days.
