ISLAMABAD, July 22 -- India has opened the spillway of a dam on the Poonch River, causing a high-level flood threat across parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The sudden release of water has rapidly increased the river's flow, endangering low-lying villages and urban settlements.

According to officials, India did not issue any prior notice before opening the spillway, prompting Pakistan to term the act as "water aggression." The move has put several areas including Batal, Dharmshal, Tatta Pani, and Kotli on alert. Inhabitants living near the river have been warned to prepare for evacuation if the water level continues to rise.

The AJK district administration has issued a red alert and launched precautionary measures. Rescue teams, in...