Claim:
India deliberately triggered a flood in Pakistan by withholding and then suddenly releasing large volumes of water from the Uri Dam, causing a surge in the Jhelum River and panic in Muzaffarabad and surrounding areas.
Verdict:
False. No evidence supports the claim that India intentionally released water to flood Pakistan. Pakistani authorities confirmed the water levels were within seasonal norms and attributed the surge to natural snowmelt and rainfall.
The Claim:
Viral social media posts claimed that Pakistan, which was expecting a drought, was “surprised” by India releasing massive amounts of water through the Jhelum River. One post that gained over 2.7 million views stated, “Pakistan was waiting for the water to be stopped, but India surprised it with a flood.” Another widely circulated video showed water rushing through Muzaffarabad, falsely attributing it to Indian interference.
These allegations came amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22, 2025, terrorist attack on Indian tourists near Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians.
Fact-Check Analysis:
- Statement from Pakistan’s Water Authority (WAPDA):
Pakistan’s Water and Power Development Authority confirmed that the inflow of water from India was within the usual seasonal range. WAPDA clarified that no flooding occurred, and there was no unusual discharge from the Indian side. - Nature-Driven Surge, Not Sabotage:
Experts explain that river surges during this time are typical due to Himalayan snowmelt and rainfall. The Uri hydroelectric plant in India lacks the capacity to store or suddenly release water at dangerous levels. It operates within the limits of the Indus Waters Treaty, which prohibits India from building large storage dams on rivers allocated to Pakistan. - Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty Does Not Equal Flooding:
While India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty in response to the April 22 attack, the move only affects data-sharing and long-term obligations—not real-time river flow management.
Context:
The misinformation surfaced in a politically sensitive moment. After the deadly Pahalgam attack, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a longstanding water-sharing agreement. This action led to speculation and fear, further amplified by social media posts lacking factual basis. Pakistan’s official agencies, however, dismissed the flood claims, confirming that the Jhelum River’s flow was normal for the season.
Conclusion:
The viral narrative that India weaponized water to flood Pakistan is baseless and misleading. No factual evidence supports the claim of deliberate flooding. The seasonal rise in water levels is a natural phenomenon, not a calculated act of aggression.
Verdict: False