India is relaying real-time flood data to Pakistan through diplomatic channels as a goodwill gesture, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday, citing “humanitarian consideration.”
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that information is being transmitted via India’s High Commission in Islamabad and other diplomatic avenues whenever the situation demands. “We have been sharing high flood data with Pakistan through our High Commission, through our diplomatic channels. This is being done as and when required first… This is being done based on humanitarian consideration,” Jaiswal told reporters in New Delhi.
Indian officials last communicated details on August 26, alerting Pakistan about potential flooding. The communication, the High Commission stressed, was made purely on humanitarian grounds.
Also read: Monsoon, not India, to blame for Pakistan floods, say experts
Pakistan continues to reel under a devastating monsoon. Relentless rains, flash floods and glacial lake outbursts have killed more than 800 people and displaced 1.2 million across several provinces. Economic losses from damaged infrastructure and ruined crops are estimated to approach USD 50 billion.
On Thursday, Pakistan’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority in Punjab warned of heavy thunderstorms between 6 and 9 September in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum and Gujranwala. Downpours are also forecast in Lahore, Gujrat, Sialkot and surrounding areas. The authority cautioned that flash floods may strike Dera Ghazi Khan between 7 and 9 September, urging commissioners and deputy commissioners to remain on high alert.
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