Pakistan is facing a worsening flood crisis as torrential monsoon rains combined with glacial melts have led to widespread devastation, claiming the lives of over 180 people since late June. The provinces of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Gilgit-Baltistan are among the hardest-hit regions, with hundreds more injured and thousands displaced.

In the last 24 hours alone, at least 54 people died in the Punjab province, bringing the national death toll to 178. Earlier figures placed Punjab's total at around 103 deaths, with the city of Chakwal particularly affected by flash floods. The intense rainfall in Punjab has been recorded at 124 percent above the average for this time of year.

The situation in the northern mountainous regions is equally dire. Glacial lake outburst floods triggered by soaring temperatures—reaching up to 48.5°C—have ravaged areas like Swat Valley and Gilgit-Baltistan. These flash floods have resulted in at least 72 deaths and more than 130 injuries. Infrastructure in these regions, already vulnerable, has been severely damaged, cutting off access to remote communities.

Authorities have declared a rain emergency in several districts, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Chakwal. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued flood warnings and mobilized the army for rescue operations, deploying helicopters and boats to evacuate stranded residents. Relief efforts are ongoing, but challenging terrain and continued rainfall have hindered swift response.

Pakistan’s vulnerability to extreme weather has once again come under scrutiny. Experts point to climate change as a major driver behind the intensified monsoon patterns and accelerated glacial melting. Pakistan, despite contributing minimally to global emissions, remains one of the most climate-affected countries in the world. The country’s weak infrastructure, deforestation, and lack of early warning systems exacerbate the impact of natural disasters.

While no large-scale riverine flooding similar to the 2022 catastrophe is currently predicted, officials warn that more severe rain is expected in the coming days. Provinces such as Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Pakistan-administered Kashmir remain on high alert.

Humanitarian agencies are urging rapid international and domestic support to aid rescue operations, restore essential services, and prevent the spread of waterborne diseases. The crisis has underscored the urgent need for climate adaptation measures and stronger disaster preparedness to protect vulnerable communities across Pakistan.