Islamabad, July 18, 2025 – Pakistan is grappling with a severe humanitarian and infrastructural crisis precipitated by devastating flash floods, driven by unprecedented monsoon rainfall, with Punjab province enduring the most significant impact. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reports 178 fatalities nationwide, including 63 in Punjab within a 24-hour period ending July 17. This disaster has displaced thousands, caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure, and underscored Pakistan’s acute vulnerability to climate-driven calamities, necessitating urgent action to address both immediate needs and long-term resilience.

Exceptional Rainfall and Widespread Devastation

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reports that July 2025 rainfall exceeded historical averages by 82% nationwide, with Punjab recording 124% above-normal precipitation from July 1 to 15. In Chakwal, approximately 300 kilometers from Lahore, a single day’s rainfall of 423 millimeters triggered a cloudburst, resulting in severe flash flooding. Seosan got 115 millimeters of rain in just one hour, which made the drainage systems unable to handle the water and caused flooding in both city and countryside areas.The NDMA has issued warnings of continued heavy rainfall through the weekend, with elevated flood risks in Punjab, Islamabad, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Balochistan, and Sindh.

The human toll has been profound, with fatalities primarily attributed to structural collapses, drownings, and electrocutions. In Punjab, 24 of the 57 deaths reported since July 16 were children, highlighting the vulnerability of younger populations. A 2023 UN-Habitat report notes that over 50% of Pakistan’s urban population resides in informal settlements lacking resilient infrastructure, exacerbating the impact of extreme weather events. The NDMA indicates that poorly constructed housing in these areas has significantly contributed to the high casualty rates, underscoring systemic deficiencies in urban planning.

Infrastructure Damage and Operational Challenges

The heavy monsoon rains have badly damaged Punjab’s infrastructure, making many expressways unusable and leading to many flights being canceled or delayed at local airports.In Rawalpindi, rising water levels in Nullah Leh prompted flood alerts at Gawalmandi and Kattarian bridges, necessitating evacuations in low-lying areas. Lahore, the provincial capital, has experienced extensive waterlogging, leaving residential and commercial zones inundated and without electricity due to power grid failures. In Taunsa Sharif, rising Indus River waters have submerged critical bridges, isolating communities and hindering access to relief facilities.

The Chahan Dam in Rawalpindi collapsed, making the situation worse and causing floods in areas like Fauji Foundation Chowk and Bahria Town Phase 8. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) says more than 125 homes were damaged in Chakwal, and two people died because a house collapsed.Across Punjab, 290 injuries were recorded in the past 24 hours, placing significant strain on healthcare facilities, which have been placed on high alert to manage the influx of patients, further complicating response efforts.

Coordinated Emergency Response

On July 17, Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced a state of emergency, asking district authorities, police, and Rescue 1122 to focus on keeping people safe and quickly carry out rescue efforts. In a statement on X, Nawaz affirmed, “All government institutions are fully mobilized to protect lives and provide relief.” The PDMA has deployed de-watering sets, suction pumps, and jetting machines to Rawalpindi, while military helicopters and rescue boats have facilitated evacuations in severely affected areas, including a critical operation in Jhelum where flash floods stranded residents.

The NDMA has established seven relief camps across Punjab, providing essential supplies, including food, shelter, medical care, and security, to displaced individuals. In Chakwal, ongoing rescue efforts involve military and civilian teams working to locate and assist those trapped by floodwaters. The NDMA’s 2025 Monsoon Infrastructure Guidelines emphasize proactive measures, such as dam inspections and urban flood barrier maintenance, to mitigate future risks. However, challenges persist in areas like Taunsa Sharif, where residents report inadequate access to relief infrastructure, leaving many exposed to harsh conditions and highlighting gaps in disaster response capacity.

Climate Vulnerability and Systemic Issues

The current flooding crisis has intensified scrutiny of Pakistan’s susceptibility to climate change, with experts linking intensified monsoon patterns to rising sea surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean. Senator Sherry Rehman, a former Climate Minister, stated on X, “These extreme weather events reflect an accelerating climate crisis, necessitating urgent investment in resilience and urban planning.” The 2022 floods, which inundated one-third of Pakistan and claimed 1,737 lives, serve as a stark precedent, despite Pakistan’s minimal contribution of 0.4% to global historic emissions.

Systemic challenges, including inadequate urban planning and insufficient disaster preparedness, continue to amplify the impact of such crises. The NDMA has developed risk maps for vulnerable districts and is working to relocate communities near riverbanks and landslide-prone areas. However, rapid urbanization and unregulated construction near waterways remain significant obstacles. The agency’s multi-tiered strategy prioritizes risk reduction and early evacuation, yet the scale of the current disaster underscores the need for sustained investment in climate-resilient infrastructure to address both immediate and future vulnerabilities.

Path Forward Amid Ongoing Risks

With the PMD forecasting continued monsoon activity through September, Pakistan remains on high alert. Thousands of emergency personnel are on standby, and the NDMA is coordinating with provincial authorities to strengthen response efforts. The government has pledged financial compensation for affected families, but the recurring nature of these disasters highlights the urgent need for long-term reforms. Addressing Pakistan’s climate vulnerability requires comprehensive policy measures, including enhanced urban planning, robust infrastructure development, and international collaboration to mitigate the impacts of climate change, ensuring a more resilient future for the nation.