Did India Trigger Flood in Pakistan? Shocking Truth Behind Viral Claims [Fact-Check]

Did India trigger flood in Pakistan? This is the burning question that flooded social media timelines on April 26, 2025. Following the sudden rise in water levels of the Jhelum River in Muzaffarabad, viral posts accused India of deliberately releasing water from a dam. But is there any truth to these dramatic claims? Let’s break down the facts in this in-depth article.

What Sparked the Viral Flood Claims?

After an armed attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killed 26 civilians on April 22, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated rapidly. Amidst this volatile backdrop, several viral social media posts began to allege that India triggered a flood in Pakistan.

One X user posted:

“Pakistan, which was expecting a drought, was suddenly given a flood. India surprised Pakistan by releasing more water in Jhelum.”

Another viral video, with over 1.6 million views, showed torrents of water rushing past vehicles in Muzaffarabad, claiming that India had opened dam gates without warning.

Analyzing the Video Evidence

DW News’ Fact Check team verified the location of the viral video as Muzaffarabad, filmed in April 2025. However, verifying location does not confirm the cause of flooding. To understand the reality, we need to look deeper.

According to Pakistan’s Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), the rise in water levels was normal for the season, driven by snowmelt and seasonal rainfall in the upper catchment areas. The authority clearly stated that no abnormal release of water occurred from India.

What Does WAPDA Say?

In an official statement shared with DW Urdu, a WAPDA spokesperson clarified:

“Water inflow in Jhelum River is typical for this time of year. There was no flooding or damage reported. India did not release any excess water.”

Furthermore, the spokesperson emphasized that the Uri Dam — the Indian hydroelectric project upstream — is not capable of storing or releasing large quantities of water like a typical reservoir. This directly refutes the claim that India released floodwaters.

Understanding the Indus Waters Treaty

Signed in 1960, the Indus Waters Treaty governs water-sharing between India and Pakistan. Under this agreement:

• India controls the Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers.
• Pakistan receives unrestricted flow from the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers.
• India can build run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects on western rivers but cannot store water.

India’s Uri project complies with the treaty’s restrictions. Thus, even if India wanted to, it lacks the capacity to release massive amounts of water to flood downstream Pakistan.

Expert Analysis on India’s Water Infrastructure

Speaking to Reuters, economist Vagar Ahmed of Oxford Policy Management said:

“India hasn’t got the kind of infrastructure to halt or store water at flood levels. Run-of-the-river projects don’t allow that type of control.”

This aligns with WAPDA’s assessment. The speculation that India triggered flood in Pakistan lacks credible technical backing.

Lack of Communication Between India and Pakistan

The only critical lapse reported was that India did not inform Pakistan in advance about rising water levels. Previously, the Indus Waters Treaty mandated India to share hydrological data, especially during flood seasons.

However, following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by India, communication channels between the two countries were disrupted. While this delay may have added confusion, it does not prove malicious intent.

Indian officials did not respond to requests for comment.

Conclusion: Did India Really Trigger the Flood?

After analyzing statements from WAPDA, expert opinions, and legal constraints under the Indus Waters Treaty, there is no evidence to support the claim that India triggered flood in Pakistan. The surge in Jhelum River was due to seasonal snowmelt and rainfall, not any sudden water release from Indian dams.