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Pakistan’s deadly floods claim 337 lives as rescue efforts continue
Severe monsoon floods devastate Pakistan
Northwestern Pakistan is grappling with the aftermath of catastrophic flash floods that have claimed at least 337 lives, with dozens still reported missing, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The disaster, fueled by torrential rains and sudden cloudbursts, has wreaked havoc across mountainous regions, with rescue teams struggling to access remote areas.
In Kishtwar district, emergency responders reached Chositi village, where at least 60 residents lost their lives and 150 others sustained injuries, 50 of whom are critically hurt. Meanwhile, in Buner district, recovery workers uncovered 54 bodies amid debris, as floodwaters carried massive boulders, obliterating homes and sweeping away entire communities. Many villagers remain unaccounted for, leaving families in anguish.
Cross-border impact
Flash floods also struck Indian-administered Kashmir, affecting two villages in the Kathua district. Seven people were confirmed dead, and five others were injured overnight, as heavy rains triggered landslides and swept through vulnerable areas.
Warnings and frustrations
Authorities have issued warnings of further heavy rains and potential landslides through Tuesday. Since June 26, Pakistan has recorded more than 600 fatalities due to monsoon-related incidents. However, residents in Buner expressed frustration over the lack of timely alerts. Mohammad Iqbal, a schoolteacher from Pir Baba village, recounted to Al Jazeera how villagers fled empty-handed after floods struck without warning. “If people had been informed earlier, lives could have been saved,” he said.
Officials defended the existing early warning system but acknowledged the unprecedented intensity of rainfall, particularly in Buner, which left little time for residents to react.
A climate-driven crisis
Pakistan's vulnerability to extreme weather events has intensified in recent years. Though the country contributes less than one percent to global carbon emissions, it faces disproportionate impacts from climate change. Frequent heatwaves, glacial outburst floods, and sudden downpours disrupt communities, especially in the rugged northwest, where villages are perched on steep slopes or along riverbanks.
Experts warn that climate change exacerbates these events, transforming seasonal monsoons into deadly disasters. With poor infrastructure and limited resources, Pakistan’s response to such crises remains a significant challenge.
