India Releases Dam Water, Pakistan Warned of Flood Risk

Men stand on a bridge over the Chenab River, following the monsoon rains and rising water level in Wazirabad, in Punjab province, Pakistan, 27 August, 2025.

India has opened all gates of major dams in its Kashmir region following heavy rainfall, warning neighbouring Pakistan of potential downstream flooding today (27 August), according to an Indian government source.

Pakistan confirmed receiving the warning and issued alerts for flooding on three rivers that flow from India into the country. Both nations have been hit by intense monsoon rains and widespread flooding in recent weeks.

Pakistan’s Punjab province faces an “exceptionally high” flood risk due to heavy rainfall and the additional water released from Indian dams. Punjab, the country’s breadbasket, is home to half of Pakistan’s 240 million population.

An Indian official said approximately 200,000 cusecs of water—about 28 cubic litres per second—could be released, though it is unclear if this will be a single release or staged over time. Pakistani disaster management authorities had anticipated controlled releases from India earlier this week.

Tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours remain high following a brief conflict in May. Any flooding in Pakistan attributed to India could further strain relations. India regularly releases excess dam water when reservoirs reach capacity, as the two countries share river systems.

Pakistani authorities have deployed army troops to assist with rescue, relief, and evacuation in Punjab. Since 22 August, over 167,000 people have been displaced, including nearly 40,000 who left voluntarily after flood warnings. The monsoon season has already claimed 802 lives across Pakistan, half of them in August alone.