Pakistan Grapples with Worst Monsoon Floods in Decades

In August 2025, exceptionally heavy monsoon rains overwhelmed large parts of Punjab, Pakistan, leading to widespread flooding.

Rivers including the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab spilled over their banks, submerging villages and displacing millions. The floods caused extensive damage to homes, farmland, and critical infrastructure, presenting an urgent humanitarian challenge.

Authorities report hundreds of fatalities, with thousands more affected. Standing waters have increased the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and hepatitis, while healthcare facilities struggle to cope with the surge in patients. Relief agencies are working to provide food, clean water, and medical support, though access to isolated communities remains difficult due to washed-out roads and bridges.

Punjab, the country's main agricultural region, has seen large-scale crop and livestock losses, raising concerns about food security. The economic impact extends beyond agriculture, as damaged infrastructure disrupts commerce and livelihoods.

Experts note that climate change and glacial melt have intensified the severity of the monsoon. Additionally, water management issues, including upstream dam releases, have complicated the situation, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in disaster prevention and mitigation.