Climate-Driven Rains Claim 90 Lives Across Pakistan

News Desk

Islamabad: At least 90 people have died and 158 others have been injured across Pakistan since June 26 due to relentless monsoon rains and flash floods, according to official figures released Saturday.

The ongoing weather system, intensified by climate change and rapid urbanization, is expected to continue through August.

Officials at the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) have attributed the heavier-than-usual monsoon spell to a combination of environmental and man-made factors. “This is not just a regular monsoon,” said Irfan Virk, Deputy Director at PMD.

“The rise in temperatures, growing urban heat islands, and changing local weather patterns are all contributing to the intensity of the rainfall.”

Virk explained that the rapid expansion of urban areas—with increasing concrete surfaces and shrinking green cover—has raised ambient temperatures, triggering more intense rainfall when mixed with high humidity and cooler air masses.

The PMD has predicted widespread rain across several regions, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, central and upper Punjab, northeastern Balochistan, and parts of Sindh, with the wet weather likely to persist beyond July 17.

Flood Alerts in South Punjab

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a flood alert for multiple districts in South Punjab amid continuing downpours. Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to remain vigilant.

Flash flood warnings have been issued for Bela, Multan, Muzaffargarh, Zahirpir, Mithankot, Rajanpur, Liaquatpur, Khanpur, and Alipur. Torrential rain has also been recorded in Ahmedpur Sharqia, Jalalpur Peerwala, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Bahawalpur divisions.

According to NDMA, the highest rainfall recorded so far is 40mm at the Nisab station in Muzaffargarh. Windstorms and further rainfall are expected to continue in Multan, Bahawalpur division, and parts of the Cholistan desert.

Citizens have been urged to stay away from riverbanks, avoid low-lying areas, and seek safer shelter to reduce the risk posed by flooding, strong winds, and lightning strikes.

Climate Change Driving Crisis

Experts warn that the increasing frequency and severity of such weather events are symptomatic of Pakistan’s growing vulnerability to climate change. The urban heat island effect, driven by unchecked urban expansion and deforestation, is playing a critical role in altering local climate dynamics.

“Smaller towns and villages with more vegetation are less affected,” noted Virk. “In contrast, major cities are becoming hotspots of extreme weather due to the loss of natural green buffers and rampant construction.”

As monsoon rains continue to lash the country, authorities remain on high alert for potential emergencies, urging coordinated action to mitigate the risks to lives and infrastructure.

Additional input from Samaa News website.