July 18th, 2025 - Dozens Dead as Floods and Heavy Rain Batter Pakistan

Heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan have caused at least 57 deaths in the past two days, many of them children, officials reported on Friday. The relentless rains, which began on Wednesday, affected the province of Punjab, the country’s most populous region, causing widespread flooding in cities and rural areas. According to the National Disaster Management Authority, many of the deaths resulted from collapsing buildings, and 24 of the victims were children.

This extreme weather is part of a broader trend in Pakistan, which has experienced intense heat waves and devastating floods in recent years. Scientists and officials have linked these events to the effects of climate change. Since the monsoon season began in late June, the rains have killed at least 180 people, with more than 80 of the victims being children.

Chakwal, a district about 60 miles south of Islamabad, was one of the hardest-hit areas. The floods swept through several villages, damaging infrastructure and leaving many residents with significant losses. Local farmer Malak Jamil estimated his losses at over $6,000, a sum far beyond his annual income. He expressed uncertainty about how he would recover from the devastation.

The floods have caused widespread disruptions, including cutting off road access to many areas. In response, the Pakistani military deployed helicopters to evacuate over a hundred stranded people. Authorities are urging residents in low-lying areas to evacuate immediately when advised to do so.

In Rawalpindi, the rain overwhelmed drainage systems, turning streets into murky floodwaters. Power outages lasting up to 19 hours affected many neighborhoods, and municipal engineers struggled to restore services. The floods also caused severe damage to homes, with some residents describing how their houses collapsed under the weight of the water.

Officials have warned of increased risks to children, who face threats from drowning, collapsing homes, waterborne diseases, and electrocution, especially as floodwaters continue to rise. The United Nations Children’s Fund highlighted the dangers posed by the ongoing monsoon rains. While a break in rainfall was expected on Friday, the impacts of the floods continue to be felt across the country.

Scientists have linked the recent heavy floods to human-induced climate change, with computer models showing that warming has intensified rainfall during the monsoon season. The situation is compounded by accelerated glacier melt in northern Pakistan, further increasing the flood risks. The devastation of these floods echoes the catastrophic events of 2022, when more than 1,700 people lost their lives and millions were displaced.

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Example: She was honored for her meritorious service to the city.