Pakistan Heavy Rain Kills 46: Why The Country Remains Vulnerable To Climate Change

Last Updated:June 30, 2025, 18:55 IST

Pakistan's forecasters said they cannot rule out a repeat of the “extreme situation” seen in 2022 when rain inundated a third of the country, killing 1,737 and causing destruction

Locals look at the overflowing Swat River on Friday. (AP)

A week of heavy rain and flash floods across Pakistan have killed at least 46 people and injured dozens, officials said on Monday. The fatalities include 22 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 13 in eastern Punjab province, seven in southern Sindh and four in southwestern Balochistan, Disaster Management Authority and provincial emergency officials said.

“We are expecting above-normal rain during the monsoon and alerts have been issued to the concerned authorities to take precautionary measures," said Irfan Virk, a Pakistan Meteorological Department deputy director. Virk warned forecasters cannot rule out a repeat of the “extreme situation" seen during devastating floods in 2022 when rain inundated a third of the country, killing 1,737 people and causing widespread destruction.

Pakistan’s Biennial Transparency Report, submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), said: “Pakistan has been ranked as the most climate-vulnerable country globally in 2025, bearing immense social and economic costs from recurring climate-induced disasters…"

What makes Pakistan vulnerable?

Geography and weather: Pakistan relies heavily on the Himalayan and Karakoram glaciers for water, which are rapidly melting, threatening future water supplies and increasing flood risks. Much of Pakistan is semi-arid or arid, with limited rainfall. Climate change exacerbates water scarcity and desertification. The country is prone to heatwaves, droughts, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and intense monsoon rains.Agriculture-Based Economy: Around 20% of GDP and 40% of the workforce depend on agriculture, which is climate-sensitive.Rapid Urbanisation and Poor Infrastructure: Cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad are expanding rapidly without climate-resilient infrastructure, leading to urban flooding, poor drainage, and extreme heat stress.Water Stress: Pakistan is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world. Climate change and inefficient water use in agriculture are increasing the risk of water scarcity and conflict.High Population Growth: With a population of over 240 million and growing, pressure on natural resources, land, and water is intense.

What makes matters worse?

Pakistan’s forest cover is under 5%, one of the lowest in the region. It lacks climate adaptation measures; has made limited investment in early warning systems or disaster preparedness, sustainable agriculture, and urban planning. Their flood protection, drainage systems, and irrigation infrastructure are often outdated or poorly maintained.

The deaths from the past week include 13 tourists from a family of 17 who were swept away Friday. The other four family members were rescued from the flooded Swat River in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Rescuers found 12 bodies from the group and divers continued searching Monday for the remaining victim, said Bilal Faizi, a provincial emergency service spokesman. The incident drew widespread condemnation online over what many called a slow response by emergency services.

Inconsistent environmental policies, corruption, and low public awareness hinder effective climate action. While Pakistan is building renewables, it still relies heavily on coal and imported oil and gas, contributing to carbon emissions and air pollution.

Global Rankings

Germanwatch Climate Risk Index (2021): Pakistan was ranked among the top 10 countries most affected by climate disasters from 2000-2019.The World Bank and UNDP have consistently identified Pakistan as a climate change hotspot.

With Agency Inputs

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News explainers Pakistan Heavy Rain Kills 46: Why The Country Remains Vulnerable To Climate Change