India Releases Another 8 Lac Cusec of Flash Flood Towards Pakistan, Multan is Drowning
On 31st August 2025, a fresh wave of floodwater hit Pakistan after India released another 800,000 cusecs (8 lakh cusecs) of water into the River Chenab. This marks the second major floodwater release within just eight days, as earlier India had released one million cusecs (10 lakh cusecs), causing widespread destruction across parts of Punjab and adjoining regions.
Background of the Situation
The Indus Water Treaty allows both Pakistan and India to use rivers flowing across their borders under defined arrangements. However, sudden and massive water releases from India, particularly during the monsoon season, have often created devastating floods in Pakistan. The recent incident is another addition to the long list of water-related disputes between the two countries.
- On 23rd August 2025, India released its first massive wave of 10 lakh cusecs, which flooded multiple districts in Punjab.
- Barely a week later, on 31st August, another 8 lakh cusecs were released, worsening the already fragile situation.
Impact on River Chenab
The River Chenab, one of the major rivers flowing into Pakistan from India, is now carrying dangerously high levels of water. According to flood monitoring authorities, the water levels have reached near-record marks, creating severe pressure on embankments and river protection structures. Villages along the Jhang, Hafizabad, Chiniot, Gujranwala, Multan, and Muzaffargarh belts are reported to be in critical condition.
The continuous flood threat has created a humanitarian crisis. Thousands of families have already been displaced since the first floodwave, and the second surge of water has deepened the crisis.
Government’s Response
The Government of Pakistan has taken emergency measures to deal with the crisis.
- NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) has been mobilized to carry out relief and rescue operations.
- Army units have been deployed in sensitive areas to support civilian administrations.
- Temporary shelters, ration supplies, and medical assistance are being provided in flood-hit regions.
- The Ministry of Water Resources has called on India to share advance floodwater data, accusing New Delhi of not providing timely warnings.
Expert Opinions
Water and climate experts have expressed deep concerns over the increasing frequency of such incidents.
- Climate Change Factor
- The intensity of monsoon rains in the Himalayan region has increased due to climate change, leading to sudden surges in river water.
- Infrastructure Weakness
- Pakistan’s flood protection system remains outdated, with weak embankments and insufficient storage capacity in dams like Mangla and Tarbela.
- Need for Early Warning Systems
- Experts emphasize that data-sharing between India and Pakistan must be improved to prevent sudden disasters.
Voices from Affected Areas
Residents of flood-hit districts have shared their struggles:
- A farmer from Jhang stated: “We had just started recovering from the last flood when another one came. Our fields are completely destroyed. We have nothing left.”
- A displaced woman in Hafizabad said: “We are living under open skies with our children. Relief is slow and insufficient. We urgently need food and shelter.”
Economic Consequences
The dual waves of floods within just eight days have created massive economic losses.
- Agriculture: Damage to crops is estimated in billions of rupees.
- Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, and irrigation canals have been destroyed in several districts.
- Livestock: Thousands of animals have drowned, which will affect dairy and meat supply in the coming months.
- Industry: Floods have disrupted the transportation of goods, slowing down business activities.
International Concerns
The international community has also taken notice. Relief agencies such as the Red Crescent, UNICEF, and World Food Programme (WFP) are preparing to support Pakistan in managing the crisis. Neighboring countries have expressed solidarity and some aid offers have already been made.
Future Outlook
The situation remains uncertain as weather experts predict further rains in September. The River Chenab continues to flow at very high flood levels, and authorities are struggling to strengthen embankments.
- More water releases from India cannot be ruled out.
- If the rains continue, central Punjab could face prolonged flooding for weeks.
- Long-term planning, including construction of new reservoirs and dams, is being discussed as a priority.
Conclusion
The release of 8 lakh cusecs of water by India on 31st August 2025 has created a severe flood threat for Pakistan, especially along the River Chenab. Coming just eight days after the earlier 10 lakh cusec release, this second wave has worsened the humanitarian, economic, and political crisis. Immediate relief efforts are underway, but experts stress the urgent need for better water management, improved warning systems, and stronger diplomatic engagement to prevent such disasters in the future.
