Pakistan is reeling from an unusually severe monsoon season, with heavy rainfall claiming at least 180 lives and injuring over 500 people since late June. The National Disaster Management Authority reports that Punjab province has been hit hardest, accounting for more than half of the fatalities, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan. Among the victims, nearly 100 children have tragically lost their lives, highlighting the devastating toll on vulnerable communities.
The relentless downpours, intensified by up to 60% compared to previous years, have triggered flash floods, urban flooding, and widespread infrastructure damage. In Punjab, cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi have faced severe flooding, with collapsing buildings and electrocutions contributing to the rising death toll. In Rawalpindi, rising water levels in the Nullah Lai River prompted evacuation orders, while Chakwal and Jhelum districts reported submerged villages. The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasts more rain in the coming days, raising concerns about further flooding in Sindh, including Karachi and Hyderabad.
Climate change and accelerated glacier melting in northern Pakistan have exacerbated the crisis, increasing the risk of flash floods and glacial lake outbursts in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. Posts on X reflect public frustration, pointing to inadequate flood management and the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. Disaster response teams, including the military, have been deployed, using boats and helicopters to evacuate stranded residents. Authorities are urging people to stay indoors, clear drainage systems, and prepare emergency kits to mitigate risks.
The monsoon season, vital for agriculture, has turned deadly, damaging over 1,000 homes and disrupting power and communication networks. As Pakistan grapples with this climate-driven disaster, the need for robust flood preparedness and long-term climate resilience measures has never been clearer.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 20th, 2025
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