BLACK mobile logo

international

Flash floods ravage Pakistan: Cloud burst and melting glaciers create perfect storm of destruction

September 2, 2025

In August 2025, northern Pakistan experienced catastrophic flash flooding triggered by heavy pre-monsoon rains and upstream water releases, killing over 800 people since late June and destroying thousands of homes and critical infrastructure. The disaster primarily affected Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan provinces, with Buner and Shangla districts suffering the worst devastation as entire villages were cut off from outside contact. Multiple factors worsened the situation, including above-average monsoon rainfall, water releases from Indian dams after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty obligations, and climate change causing accelerated glacial melting, which led to dangerous glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs).

Who is affected

  • Residents of northern Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan provinces
  • Communities in Buner and Shangla districts, which experienced the worst devastation
  • Over 800 people killed since late June 2025
  • Residents of remote villages cut off due to damaged infrastructure
  • People living downstream from glaciers in Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan
  • Communities evacuated near the Ghizer River after a glacier burst
  • People in Sindh province who are preparing for the incoming water surge
  • Agricultural communities dependent on the five rivers shared with India
  • Citizens reliant on damaged critical infrastructure and homes

What action is being taken

  • Authorities are conducting ongoing rescue and relief operations in affected areas
  • Officials are evacuating people from disaster zones
  • The GLOF-II project (funded by the Green Climate Fund) is operating weather stations and early warning systems in 24 valleys
  • Sensors and gauges are being used to detect risks and alert communities
  • Preparations are underway in Sindh province for the anticipated flood surge
  • Local communities are being trained in disaster risk management
  • Protective structures (approximately 250) are being maintained or upgraded through the GLOF-II project

Why it matters

  • The disaster has already claimed over 800 lives since late June 2025
  • Thousands of homes and crucial infrastructure have been destroyed
  • The flooding represents an intersection of political tensions and climate change impacts
  • The situation threatens Pakistan's agriculture, drinking water, and hydroelectric power systems
  • Rising temperatures are accelerating glacial melt in Pakistan's 13,000 glaciers, increasing future flood risks
  • Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) are becoming less predictable and more dangerous
  • The flooding demonstrates Pakistan's high vulnerability to climate change despite contributing minimally to global emissions
  • Current warning systems and infrastructure are proving inadequate against intensifying climate disasters
  • The flooding has created artificial lakes that pose ongoing danger to downstream communities

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices