Torrential Rains Trigger Flood Emergency Across Punjab and Beyond

 

Pakistan is once again battling the deadly consequences of extreme monsoon rains. Over the past 24 hours alone, 63 lives have been lost and 290 people injured across Punjab, with several districts now under a state of emergency. This monsoon season, as of 18 July 2025, has already claimed 193 lives and left 544 people injured nationwide turning seasonal rains into a national disaster.

Entire villages lie submerged, families have lost everything, and roads, crops, and homes lie in ruin. As climate change intensifies, these once-rare catastrophes are becoming annual nightmares.

 

Why Is Pakistan So Vulnerable to Deadly Flooding?

 

Pakistan’s flood crisis isn’t just a matter of weather it’s a complex combination of climate change, poor infrastructure, and policy gaps, as explained in Al Jazeera’s in-depth report (July 17, 2025).

Here are the key reasons Pakistan faces devastating floods year after year

 

Unpredictable and Extreme Monsoons

Climate change has made monsoon patterns increasingly erratic. Rainfall that once spread over weeks now falls in hours, overwhelming rivers, drains, and dams not built for such intensity.

Melting Glaciers in the North

Pakistan has over 7,000 glaciers more than any country outside the polar regions. Rising temperatures are causing glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), sending sudden torrents downstream that devastate villages and farmlands.

Rapid Urbanization Without Planning

Cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi have expanded rapidly without drainage infrastructure. Green belts have turned into concrete jungles, and natural waterways have been blocked, causing urban flooding during even moderate rains.

Deforestation and Poor Land Use

Illegal logging and land encroachment have stripped many flood-prone areas of natural barriers. With no tree cover or wetlands to absorb excess water, floods hit harder and faster

 

 

The Human Cost: Lives and Livelihoods Lost

 

As of July 18, 2025:

• 193 deaths reported (including women and children)

• 544 injured

• 689 homes damaged (526 fully destroyed, 163 partially)

• Thousands displaced

• Widespread loss of livelihoods, livestock, and access to clean water

Alkhidmat’s Emergency Response to Floods in Pakistan

 

Alkhidmat Foundation has activated its Disaster Management Cells (DMCs) across flood hit areas. Trained volunteers, rescue teams, and medical units are on the ground, delivering life saving aid.

 

Relief efforts include:

• Search & rescue operations

• Medical camps & mobile clinics

• Cooked food & ration packs (700+ meals already distributed)

• Clean water supply

• Deployment of water pumps (4 pumps in use)

• Trauma care & hygiene kits distribution

 

 

District Wise Response Highlights

 

Chakwal

One of the worst hit, with 400mm of rain in just 10 hours. Flash floods overwhelmed communities. Alkhidmat distributed food parcels, hygiene kits, and provided support to over 300 families.

Rawalpindi

Heavy rains and poor drainage led to urban flooding. Sawan River overflowed, triggering alerts and helicopter assisted rescues. Alkhidmat set up relief camps and water pumps in collaboration with local bodies.

Islamabad

As the capital received 200+ mm rain, parts of the city went under water. Alkhidmat mobilized emergency relief units and participated in rescue and evacuation efforts, especially in vulnerable areas.

Jhelum

With over 150+ households affected, mobile medical camps were set up. Families received cooked meals and medical aid. Livestock losses also prompted veterinary support in some areas.

Other Affected Areas

Evacuations supported by the Army took place in Lahore, Faisalabad, and Chakri. 57+ people were rescued, and emergency alerts remain active in several zones.

 

 

Flood Response in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)

 

The mountainous regions of KP, including Charsadda, Nowshera, and Peshawar, have reported overflowing rivers and landslides. Alkhidmat KP has mobilized trained rescue personnels and first aid teams in partnership with local authorities. Relief goods are being provided to inaccessible areas via coordination.

 

 

Alkhidmat’s Disaster Management Capability

 

Alkhidmat Foundation operates one of the largest and most organized Disaster Management Units in Pakistan. With trained volunteers in every province, pre-positioned relief stocks, mobile clinics, and coordination hubs, Alkhidmat ensures swift and effective responses to emergencies like these.

Our teams undergo continuous simulation training, and many are certified in rescue, trauma response, and flood relief logistics.

 

Click to see the full report