Pakistan Grapples with Deadly Monsoon Rains and Flash Floods: Death Toll Rises to 221
Pakistan is currently enduring a severe monsoon season, characterized by relentless heavy rains and widespread flash floods that have resulted in a significant loss of life and extensive damage across the country. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has been issuing regular updates as the crisis unfolds.
Grim Toll and Widespread Impact:
Rising Casualties: As of Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at least 221 people have been killed and 592 others injured across Pakistan since the monsoon season began in late June. This includes five new deaths and 10 injuries reported in the past 24 hours (as of July 21st's NDMA report).
Vulnerable Populations Hit Hardest: The fatalities include a high number of children, with reports indicating 104 children among the deceased. The overall death toll comprises 77 men and 40 women, highlighting the disproportionate impact on vulnerable segments of the population.
Provincial Breakdown:
Punjab is the worst-affected province, accounting for 135 fatalities and 470 injuries. Heavy rainfall in districts like Chakwal (400mm overnight due to cloudburst) and Rawalpindi (200mm causing urban flooding) has led to significant destruction. Flood alerts have been issued for the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers.
In the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 46 people have lost their lives and 69 were injured. Flash floods in areas like Swat Valley have swept away families and damaged numerous houses.
Southern Sindh province reported 22 deaths and 40 injuries.
The southwestern province of Balochistan recorded 16 fatalities and four injuries.
In northern Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), while the NDMA confirmed no deaths, recent reports indicate at least five tourists were killed and dozens missing after flash floods and landslides swept away vehicles in the Babusar area. Hundreds of stranded tourists have been rescued.
Pakistan-controlled Kashmir reported one death and six injuries, and one child was wounded in the Islamabad Capital Territory.
Nature of the Disaster and Damage:
Flash Floods and Landslides: The heavy monsoon rains have triggered destructive flash floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous and low-lying areas. These events have caused walls and roofs to collapse, and in northern regions, have swept away vehicles, stranding tourists and residents.
Infrastructure Damage: The floods have damaged dozens of residential homes, agricultural land, roads, and bridges. For instance, in Gilgit-Baltistan, floods have damaged 50 houses, four bridges, a hotel, and a school, and have blocked major highways, disrupting communication signals.
Urban Flooding: Major cities, including parts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, have experienced severe urban flooding due to heavy downpours overwhelming drainage systems.
Increased Intensity of Rains: NDMA spokespersons have noted that the intensity of this year's monsoon rains has been "markedly different" from previous years, with such high death tolls typically seen later in the monsoon season (August). Punjab, for example, has received 124% more monsoon rain compared to last year.
Response and Outlook:
Rescue and Relief Operations: Authorities are actively engaged in rescue and relief operations, coordinating with provincial governments to monitor vulnerable areas and provide assistance. Army helicopters have been used for evacuations in areas like Gilgit-Baltistan. Relief camps have been set up, and aid organizations are distributing food parcels and hygiene kits.
Warnings and Advisories: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that monsoon currents are likely to "intensify" across the country, particularly in upper and central parts. They have also cautioned against travel to northern areas due to the high risk of landslides and blocked roads until at least July 25.
Climate Change Link: Experts are increasingly linking the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in Pakistan, including these devastating monsoons, to climate change. Pakistan remains one of the world's most vulnerable countries to the effects of a changing climate.
The ongoing monsoon spell continues to pose a significant challenge for Pakistan, with authorities working to mitigate the impact and provide relief to affected populations amid forecasts for more heavy rainfall in the coming weeks.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
