Heavy Rain and Floods in Pakistan: Over 650 Dead, Millions Affected in Climate Catastrophe

Heavy rain and floods in Pakistan have once again wreaked havoc across the country, leaving over 650 people dead and nearly a thousand injured since late June, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

Unprecedented rainfall has displaced hundreds of thousands, destroyed infrastructure, and raised alarm over the worsening impacts of climate change on one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries.

Death Toll and Destruction

The NDMA confirmed that between June 26 and mid-August, over 650 lives have been lost, with the number still climbing as rescue operations continue.

Key Statistics:

• Deaths recorded: 650+

• Injuries: 900+

• Rainfall received: 50% higher than 2024

• Ongoing danger: More heavy rain predicted until September

Entire villages have been washed away by flash floods, leaving families homeless. Schools, hospitals, and roads have been destroyed, isolating communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).

Fresh spells of rain on Monday worsened the crisis, making relief operations nearly impossible in hilly areas.

Worst-Hit Areas: KP, Punjab, and GB

While every province has reported casualties, KP remains the epicenter of devastation with 390 deaths, followed by Punjab with 164 deaths.

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP): A cloudburst in Buner district claimed dozens of lives, wiping out entire families. KP accounts for over half of total casualties.

• Punjab: Pakistan’s largest province has lost 164 people, mostly in rural areas vulnerable to flooding.

• Balochistan: Even the arid regions have seen dozens of deaths due to unusual downpours.

• Gilgit-Baltistan (GB): Landslides and heavy rains damaged roads, bridges, and communication lines, cutting off mountain towns from relief efforts.

Climate Change and Pakistan’s Vulnerability

Experts link the heavy rain and floods in Pakistan to human-induced climate change.

• Inam Haider Malik (NDMA Chief): “It is difficult to predict cloudbursts and flash floods. At least three more rain spells are expected, likely flooding lower areas along the Indus River.”

• Zaheer Babar (Chief Meteorologist): Stated that erratic rainfall is caused by climate change but worsened by poor urban planning, deforestation, and construction near riverbeds.

Global Context:
According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), South Asia is highly vulnerable to climate extremes due to rising global temperatures, glacier melt, and unpredictable monsoon patterns.

Read more about UNEP’s climate reports.

Government Response and Challenges

Despite warnings, many communities reported no early alerts of heavy rainfall. Survivors in KP say that inadequate forecasting systems multiplied the loss of lives and property.

Rescue teams face road blockages, landslides, and continuing rains, making it difficult to deliver food and medical aid.

The government has appealed for international assistance as resources are stretched thin, particularly after previous disasters and economic difficulties.

For regular updates, check the NDMA official portal: ndma.gov.pk.

Calls for Climate Justice and Reparations

Pakistani civil society leaders have called for climate reparations from wealthier nations, highlighting that Pakistan contributes less than 1% to global emissions yet faces catastrophic climate losses.

• Ammar Ali Jan (Haqooq-e-Khalq Party): “Pakistan is in a climate emergency. We need climate reparations and debt relief from the global north.”

• Taimur Rahman (Mazdoor Kisan Party): Criticized the state’s unequal allocation of resources, claiming that flood-preventive measures protect wealthy localities while ignoring vulnerable rural populations.

The 2022 Floods: A Painful Reminder

The ongoing crisis mirrors the 2022 Pakistan floods, one of the deadliest in modern history:

• 1,700+ deaths

• 33 million people affected

• Crops destroyed, worsening food insecurity

• Billions of dollars in economic losses

The recurrence of such disasters highlights the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies, including stronger embankments, early warning systems, and sustainable urban planning.

Related Article: Pakistan’s Climate Vulnerability Report 2025.

Conclusion: A Nation at Climate Crossroads

The heavy rain and floods in Pakistan serve as a tragic reminder of the country’s vulnerability to climate extremes. With 650+ deaths and millions displaced, the crisis underscores the urgent need for:

• Stronger climate resilience infrastructure

• International climate reparations

• Community-based disaster preparedness

As three more heavy rain spells are forecasted until September, Pakistan stands at a climate crossroads—whether to continue reacting to disasters or proactively invest in long-term solutions to safeguard its people and economy.