Devastating Flood in Punjab: 2 Million Affected as Pakistan Faces Its Biggest Climate Disaster

“This is the biggest flood in the history of the Punjab,” announced Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb at a press conference in Lahore. She confirmed that over 2 million residents have been directly affected by the surging waters of the three rivers.

TV footage has shown entire villages submerged, families loading belongings into rescue boats, and farmland stretching endlessly under floodwaters.

Climate Change and Monsoon Extremes

According to a recent climate study, global warming has significantly intensified monsoon rains in Pakistan, making the country one of the most vulnerable to climate change in the world.

• Punjab received 26.5% more rainfall from July 1 to August 27 this year compared to 2024.

• Intense downpours and cloudbursts have triggered flash floods and landslides across Pakistan’s mountainous regions.

Learn more about climate vulnerability in Pakistan.

Cross-Border Flooding Worsens Crisis

In addition to heavy rains, India released water from swollen dams and rivers, worsening the flood situation downstream in Pakistan.

Aurangzeb stated, “The Foreign Ministry is collecting data regarding India’s deliberate release of water into Pakistan.”

Although India had issued prior warnings, Pakistani officials fear that the timing and volume of the releases have escalated the humanitarian crisis.

Related reading: India-Pakistan Water Disputes and the Indus Waters Treaty.

Government Rescue and Relief Efforts

Authorities have set up rescue camps in schools, police stations, and other government facilities to shelter displaced families.

In Multan, explosives were prepared to divert water by blowing embankments if necessary. Commissioner Amir Kareem Khan said drones were being used to monitor low-lying areas, urging residents to evacuate.

Deputy Commissioner Wasim Hamad Sindhu appealed:

“The water is coming in large quantities — we cannot fight it, we cannot stop it. Please seek shelter in government camps.”

Agricultural and Economic Impacts

Punjab, home to nearly 150 million people, is the heart of Pakistan’s agricultural economy and its main wheat producer.

• Floods in 2022 destroyed large crop areas, sparking fears of food insecurity.

• This year’s historic floods threaten wheat, sugarcane, and rice crops across Punjab.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned that recurring floods could deepen Pakistan’s food crisis if urgent adaptation measures are not taken.

Voices from the Ground

Displaced residents have described heartbreaking realities.

Emaan Fatima, a resident forced into a relief camp, shared:

“Our animals are starving, and we are also not getting food anywhere else. We are not sitting here by choice. Our houses are in danger. We are very worried.”

Nationwide Flood Toll

Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that 849 people have died and 1,130 have been injured in rain-related incidents since June 26.

With tens of thousands displaced, experts warn that waterborne diseases, hunger, and shelter shortages could worsen in the coming weeks.

Sindh Province Braces for Super Flood

In southern Sindh, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has ordered preparations for what he termed a “super flood.”

“We call it a super flood when water exceeds 900,000 cusecs. We hope the level will not reach this point, but we must prepare to save lives and livestock.”

Sindh’s experience with mega floods in 2010 and 2022 has made it particularly vulnerable, raising alarms among humanitarian agencies.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for Future Disasters

Pakistan’s monsoon season lasts until late September, leaving weeks of uncertainty ahead. Experts emphasize the need for:

• Stronger flood defenses and embankments

• Improved climate adaptation policies

• Regional cooperation with India on water management

For readers interested in policy perspectives, check Pakistan’s Climate Vulnerability and Environmental Justice Report.

Conclusion

The Punjab biggest flood in Pakistan highlights the country’s urgent struggle against the dual forces of climate change and cross-border water disputes. With millions displaced and agricultural lands devastated, this year’s historic floods may reshape Pakistan’s climate policies for years to come.

As officials continue rescue efforts, the voices of affected families underscore the human cost of climate disasters — a reality Pakistan must urgently address.