Heavy monsoon rains have wreaked havoc across Pakistan, particularly in Punjab province, where at least 63 people lost their lives and nearly 300 were injured in a single day due to flooding and collapsing structures. The national death toll from the ongoing monsoon season, which began in late June, has now reached at least 159, with over 1,000 homes damaged and several livestock lost.
In Punjab’s major cities like Lahore and Faisalabad, as well as rural areas such as Okara, Sahiwal, and Pakpattan, torrential downpours have led to widespread destruction. Many fatalities were caused parable to weak roofing materials in older homes, which gave way under the relentless rain. Rescue operations have been intense, with boats and military helicopters deployed to evacuate families from flooded villages, though receding waters have offered some relief.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority reports that Punjab alone has seen 103 deaths and 393 injuries since the monsoon’s onset. The National Disaster Management Authority has warned of further risks as water levels in the Jhelum River and nearby streams threaten to overflow, putting additional communities in danger. Posts on X reflect growing public concern, with many highlighting the recurring nature of these disasters and the urgent need for improved infrastructure to mitigate future losses.
Pakistan’s vulnerability to extreme weather is exacerbated by climate change, with experts noting that the country’s 13,000 glaciers in regions like Gilgit-Baltistan are melting rapidly due to record-high temperatures, increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods. Despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse emissions, Pakistan faces disproportionate climate impacts, prompting calls for greater international support to address these challenges.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 18th, 2025
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