Jhelum River Surge Kills Woman in AJK's Hattian Bala

A 55-year-old woman was swept away and died on Saturday after a sudden Jhelum River surge created flood-like conditions in Jhelum Valley district, reportedly after water was released from the Indian side without prior notice.

Rehmat Bibi, wife of Syed Hussain Shah, was collecting wood near the river in the Kucha Saidan area of Hattian Bala tehsil when the strong current pulled her in. Rescue 1122 teams, police and local residents launched a search operation after she went missing, but officials said they were facing difficulties in recovering her body because of the strong current.

What the Jhelum River surge did at Chakothi

At Chakothi, the river flow rose sharply from around 2,500 cusecs to 24,000 cusecs as the sudden influx of water moved through Jhelum Valley district. The flow later dropped to approximately 5,000 cusecs.

According to Rescue 1122 officials, the water level in the Jhelum River increased from 14 feet to 19 feet during the surge, causing panic among residents in vulnerable areas. The sudden rise posed risks to lives and livelihoods, particularly for people who depend on activities along the river. Local residents said the strong current made it dangerous to approach the river for timber collection and other routine activities.

Local residents attributed the sudden rise to water released from the Indian side. The administration has advised people to stay away from rivers, streams and seasonal water channels during periods of increased water flow. Residents have been urged not to collect wood or take livestock near the river and to keep children away from waterways, and to contact Rescue 1122 or the relevant authorities immediately in case of emergency.

A familiar pattern on the Jhelum

The Jhelum originates in Indian-held Kashmir and enters Azad Kashmir at Chakothi along the Line of Control, making its flows dependent on releases upstream. The latest episode fits a pattern seen since India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam attack on April 22, in which 26 people were killed.

In September last year, a sudden Indian release sent floodwaters into the Jhelum in Azad Kashmir, and Pakistani officials have repeatedly complained that flow data which used to be shared under the treaty no longer reaches them in time. India’s suspension of the 1960 agreement has left downstream communities with little warning when releases come, and local officials in the mountainous districts have warned that water levels there can rise suddenly and rapidly.

Who died in the Jhelum surge?

Rehmat Bibi, 55, wife of Syed Hussain Shah, from the Kucha Saidan area of Hattian Bala tehsil. She was collecting wood from the river when the current swept her away.

How big was the surge?

Flow at Chakothi jumped from about 2,500 cusecs to 24,000 cusecs before falling to around 5,000, while the water level rose from 14 feet to 19 feet.

What should residents do during such surges?

Stay away from rivers, streams and seasonal channels, avoid collecting wood or taking livestock near the water, keep children away from waterways and call Rescue 1122 in an emergency.