Annual monsoon floods in Pakistan resulted in over 1,000 deaths and affected approximately 6.9 million people within three months of their onset in late June. Pakistan, which contributes 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, experiences varying impacts of climate change across its provinces, often disproportionately affecting low-income communities. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported the figures. In one instance in Sambrial, northern Punjab, a family of six, including a one-year-old child, was swept away by flash floods in August.
Glacial Melt and Flash Floods
Monsoon floods initiated in the northern regions, particularly in Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan, where rising temperatures contribute to glacial melt. The Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges contain over 7,000 glaciers. The melting of these glaciers can form glacial lakes, which may burst, posing a risk to thousands of villages.
During the summer, hundreds of homes were destroyed and roads damaged by landslides and flash floods resulting from glacial lake outbursts. Challenges in providing early warnings exist due to the remote mountainous terrain and limited mobile service. Pakistan and the World Bank are working to enhance early warning systems. A shepherd in one village alerted residents to approaching floodwaters, which contributed to saving dozens of people.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a cloudburst caused a flash flood and landslide in Gadoon. Several homes were washed away. Villagers and men from neighboring areas assisted in search efforts, which were hindered by blocked roads preventing access for excavators. Two children were recovered deceased from under rubble. Similar incidents occurred throughout the province, where rescue operations were delayed by uprooted trees and damaged infrastructure. An aid helicopter crashed during the inclement weather, resulting in the deaths of all crew members.
Construction in Flood-Prone Areas
Millions of people in Pakistan reside near rivers and streams, areas vulnerable to flooding. The country's River Protection Act prohibits construction within 200 ft (61m) of rivers and their tributaries. However, compliance challenges exist, with illegal construction occurring in these zones. Climate scientists and former government officials have pointed to issues of governance and enforcement regarding construction in flood-prone areas.
Impact on Punjab's Agricultural Region
By late August, floods in Punjab province submerged 4,500 villages, impacting agricultural areas. For the first time, three rivers—the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab—flooded concurrently. Syed Muhammad Tayyab Shah, chief risk officer for the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), described this as a significant anomaly.
In Lahore, the provincial capital, floods impacted both affluent and low-income areas. Park View City, a gated community, was inundated by the Ravi River, leading to resident evacuations. Residents of the Theme Park neighborhood experienced challenges, with some attempting to return to their homes during periods of lower water levels and subsequently becoming stranded as water rose again. Displaced residents received tents from the Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan.
By the end of the monsoon season, floods in Punjab displaced over 2.7 million people and damaged more than one million hectares of farmland. In Multan district, a humanitarian situation developed, marked by temporary shelters along roads. Floods exacerbated existing challenges in rural healthcare access. Reports indicated concerns over water quality for pregnant women in affected areas.
Mitigation Efforts
Architect Yasmeen Lari has constructed homes described as climate-resilient, utilizing natural materials like bamboo and lime cement.