Amidst strained relations, India has issued fresh flood alerts to Pakistan, warning of a "high probability" of flooding in the Tawi River. This comes after heavy and continuous rainfall in the northern regions of India has necessitated the release of excess water from major dams. The alerts were conveyed to Islamabad through the Ministry of External Affairs on humanitarian grounds.

The first alert was issued on Monday, followed by subsequent warnings on Tuesday and Wednesday. According to sources, the gates of some dams had to be opened due to excessive rains in Indian regions. The Tawi River originates in the Himalayas and flows through the Jammu division before merging with the Chenab in Pakistan.

This move is significant because India had suspended the routine exchange of hydrological data with Pakistan following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. The decision to suspend data exchange was made after terrorists with cross-border links committed the attack. Despite the suspension, the flood warnings were communicated to help prevent loss of life and property across the border.

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), brokered by the World Bank in 1960, governs the use of the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan. Even though the treaty remains in abeyance, India chose to share the flood warnings as a goodwill gesture.

In Pakistan's Punjab province, more than 150,000 people have been evacuated due to the release of water from overflowing dams in India, causing fears of "very high to exceptionally high" flooding. Rising water levels forced authorities to open sluice gates of key reservoirs. The Indian High Commission in Islamabad officially informed Pakistan about the release of excess water into several rivers, with significant floods expected in the Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers.

Pakistani officials have stated that Punjab province faces an "exceptionally high" risk of flooding due to heavy rains and excess water released from Indian dams. Punjab serves as Pakistan's breadbasket and is home to half of its population of 240 million. Authorities have called in army troops to assist in rescue and evacuation efforts in already flooded areas.

The current situation is further complicated by the strained relations between the two countries. Any flooding in Pakistan blamed on India could potentially inflame tensions. Despite these tensions, India's decision to issue flood alerts on humanitarian grounds is a crucial step in mitigating potential disasters and preventing loss of life.