ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is once again facing the fury of nature as relentless monsoon rains trigger widespread flooding across the country. From the northern valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan to the fertile plains of Punjab and the low-lying lands of Sindh, the devastation is both human and economic, underscoring the country’s vulnerability to climate extremes.
By Staff Reporter:
According to initial reports, more than 800 people have lost their lives since the start of the monsoon season, with thousands injured and millions displaced. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has confirmed extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges, and agricultural fields. Entire villages in southern Punjab and Sindh have been submerged, forcing families to abandon their homes and take refuge in temporary camps set up by rescue teams.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, swollen rivers and landslides have cut off mountain communities, complicating relief operations. Helicopters are being used to airlift stranded residents, while boats are deployed in low-lying districts to move people to safer ground. The army, local authorities, and humanitarian organizations are coordinating emergency supplies of food, tents, and medicine.
The economic toll is already visible. Vast stretches of cropland in Sindh and Punjab are under water, threatening food security and the livelihood of farmers who were already struggling with inflation and high input costs. Experts warn that rebuilding damaged infrastructure will take months, if not years, while the risk of disease outbreaks such as cholera and dengue looms large in overcrowded shelters.
Urban centers, too, are under stress. In Karachi and Lahore, heavy downpours have paralyzed traffic, flooded underpasses, and disrupted electricity for thousands of households. Residents in these cities have voiced frustration over inadequate drainage systems and the government’s slow pace in upgrading climate resilience projects.
Climate specialists point to a troubling pattern: Pakistan is experiencing more frequent and intense weather events. Just three years after the catastrophic 2022 floods, the country finds itself in another humanitarian crisis. Calls are growing for long-term strategies, including better river management, early warning systems, and sustainable urban planning.
For now, however, the priority remains survival. With rain forecasts still heavy for the coming week, relief agencies are bracing for further challenges. The resilience of the people, combined with coordinated national and international support, will be crucial in navigating yet another chapter in Pakistan’s ongoing battle with climate-driven disasters.
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