This sudden release caused heavy flooding in the Hattian Bala area of Muzaffarabad. The local administration quickly declared a water emergency to protect residents.

River Jhelum, which flows from Indian-occupied Kashmir’s Anantnag district and enters Azad Kashmir through Uri and Chakothi, requires careful monitoring. However, India released a large amount of water without informing Pakistani authorities, putting riverside communities at serious risk and spreading panic among the population.

Local sources reported that as the water level rose rapidly, mosques made emergency announcements, urging people to move to safer places. Residents said the river swelled unusually fast, raising fears of possible flooding in several areas.

This alarming incident comes just days after tensions escalated when India hinted at suspending the Indus Waters Treaty following attacks on tourists in Pahalgam.

Authorities are warning citizens to stay away from the riverbanks and to contact local emergency services immediately if needed.