Flash Floods Emergency in Pakistan

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Rana Usman Ali

Dr. Farrukh A. Chishtie

The summer of 2025 will be remembered as one of the deadliest flash flood seasons in Pakistan’s history. In June, a family picnic in Swat Valley turned tragic when sudden torrents swept away 18 people, leaving only three survivors.

By mid-July, a cloudburst at Babusar Pass submerged roads under water and debris, stranding hundreds of tourists. And in August, catastrophic floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa claimed more than 200 lives, with entire communities washed away overnight. These events show that flash floods are no longer rare disasters—they are becoming a recurring reality.

The National Severe Storms Laboratory at NOAA-US reports that floods are the most frequent and widespread type of weather-related natural disaster. Every year, they claim more lives than any other hazard linked to thunderstorms. Among them, flash floods are the most dangerous, as they combine the force of flooding with extreme speed. These sudden floods occur when intense rainfall overwhelms the ground’s ability to absorb water. They may also happen when normally dry streams quickly fill, or when rising water causes rivers and streams to spill over their banks. Water levels can surge within minutes of heavy rain, flash floods leave little time for warnings or protective measures, making them more deadly.

The steady rise of greenhouse gas emissions in Earth’s atmosphere is pushing global temperatures upward, fueling what we know as global warming. Yet climate change is far more than just hotter days. Its far-reaching effects are transforming our environment in ways that threaten both ecosystems and human life. From melting glaciers and warming oceans to rising sea levels and violent weather extremes, the evidence is all around us, reminding us that the window to act is rapidly closing.

One of the clearest signs of this shift is the change in rainfall patterns. Some regions now experience intense cloudbursts and flash floods, while others endure long stretches of drought. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has explained that climate change is closely tied to these extremes, influencing both the intensity and frequency of rainfall. Warmer oceans release more water vapor into the atmosphere, which means the air holds more moisture than before. When this moisture condenses into clouds over land, it can unleash unusually heavy downpours, sometimes resulting in destructive flash floods and sudden cloudbursts. On the other hand, altered weather systems may withhold rainfall altogether, creating prolonged dry spells and drought conditions.

But greenhouse gases are only one part of the problem. Human interference with natural ecosystems is amplifying the damage. Deforestation, unchecked urban expansion, and the conversion of fertile soil into concrete housing societies strip the land of its natural defenses. Forests and vegetation play a critical role in slowing down rainfall, reducing soil erosion, and absorbing excess water. When these buffers disappear, the land becomes more vulnerable. Heavy rains erode soil more quickly, floodwaters run off unchecked and natural drainage systems collapse. At the same time, replacing permeable soil with concrete drastically reduces the Earth’s ability to absorb water, forcing rain to rush across surfaces at greater speed and volume—turning manageable rains into devastating floods.

In short, climate change is not an isolated phenomenon but the result of both rising greenhouse gases and human disruption of natural systems. Its impacts, from floods, droughts, rising seas, to ecosystem collapse, are all warning signs that humanity must not ignore. The challenge before us is urgent: restore balance with the environment, reduce emissions, and protect the natural systems that keep our planet resilient.

For a clearer understanding of the current situation in Pakistan, I would like to share insights from Dr. Faisal, Chief Meteorologist at PMD. During an interview on national TV on 18th August 2025, he said that there is climate variability, means some years’ experience more rainfall activity while others has less. These are part of natural cycles, but overall trends in recent decades show that monsoon rains in Pakistan are increasing and their patterns are also shifting. For example, last year July saw below-normal rainfall, while this year July recorded 22% above-normal rainfall across Pakistan. However, in August so far, most regions except Gilgit-Baltistan have received below-normal rain. Dr. Faisal explained that climate change is adding new challenges. Rising temperatures in northern mountainous regions over 2°C in the past few decades are causing faster glacier melt. This increases water flow and, combined with more monsoon penetration into the north, accelerates glacier melting further. Glacial lakes sometimes overflow or burst due to overfilling or blockages caused by landslides, leading to sudden flooding events.

Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is unfolding before our eyes. It is, therefore, the responsibility of every individual to contribute toward slowing its impacts. Pakistan is among the countries most severely affected, making a coordinated global response essential. Above all, protecting communities and saving lives must remain the top priority. The recent flash floods, which destroyed infrastructure and homes, highlight the urgency of preparedness. Public awareness is crucial. People must understand the risks and learn how to stay safe during floods. Strengthening early warning systems, supported by a reliable network of weather stations and river gauges, is urgently needed, along with robust communication channels to reach remote areas. In this vein, the establishment of a dense hydrometeorological monitoring system is critical. Pakistan currently lacks an extensive network of weather stations, stream gauges, and automated sensors that can provide real-time data across diverse terrains. This absence severely limits the accuracy and timeliness of flood forecasting. A denser monitoring network would not only improve early warning capabilities but also enable better understanding of local rainfall variability, glacial melt contributions, and river dynamics. Without such systems, communities remain vulnerable to sudden flooding events with little to no warning, magnifying the risk of loss of life and property.

Equally important is investment in climate-resilient infrastructure such as improved drainage systems in low-lying regions. Enforcing land-use regulations, including banning construction on riverbanks and floodplains, is vital. Finally, large-scale reforestation can play a key role in absorbing rainfall, reducing soil erosion, and controlling runoff. Collectively, these measures can help mitigate the devastating impacts of flash floods and safeguard vulnerable communities.