India warns Pakistan of rising floods as 1.8 million displaced

India has warned Pakistan of “high floods” along the Sutlej River as northeastern regions prepare for another intense monsoon spell, with nearly 2 million people already displaced, officials said on Sunday.

The Indian High Commission in Islamabad alerted Pakistani authorities of the risk, citing rising water levels that could affect downstream districts already dealing with severe flooding. Warnings were issued through diplomatic channels rather than the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, which India suspended in April following an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.

In Punjab, floodwaters have breached at least three embankments near Multan, submerging villages, homes, farmland, and crops. Pirwala town was among the worst-hit areas. At least five people died on Saturday when a rescue boat carrying 30 people capsised near Multan, local reports said.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority urged officials to activate early warning systems, distribute evacuation information, and reinforce embankments.

Across Punjab, 1.8 million people have been displaced, with 4.1 million affected overall, according to Irfan Ali Kathia, director general of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). Nationwide, floods and heavy rains since late June have killed 907 people and injured thousands more.

The Meteorological Department has forecast another major monsoon spell beginning Monday in parts of Punjab, raising concerns of further flooding along the Indus and Sutlej rivers.

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