Severe monsoon floods and landslides in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir have claimed at least 307 lives so far. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has suffered the greatest loss, with widespread destruction to homes and infrastructure. The tragedy deepened when a rescue helicopter crashed during relief efforts, killing five crew members. Additional deaths were confirmed in Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Survivors Recall Doomsday Scenes as Floods Ravage Communities Across the Himalayan Region
Residents described terrifying scenes as torrents of water and debris swept through villages. Survivors from Buner recalled the ground shaking violently, comparing the disaster to “doomsday.” In Bajaur, grieving families gathered around bodies laid out for funeral prayers, while heavy machinery attempted to recover more victims. In response, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa authorities declared a day of mourning.
The flooding crisis has also extended into Indian-administered Kashmir, where flash floods ripped through a Himalayan settlement. At least 60 people were killed and many more remain missing after being swept away by the torrent. This cross-border devastation highlights the shared vulnerability of Himalayan communities to seasonal monsoon extremes.
Climate Change, Heavy Monsoons, and Melting Glaciers Deepen South Asia’s Flooding Crisis
South Asia relies heavily on monsoon rains, which deliver nearly three-quarters of the region’s yearly rainfall. However, this year’s rains have been far heavier than average, with Punjab province recording 73% more rainfall compared to last year. As a result, the monsoon season has already surpassed previous death tolls, underscoring the growing destructiveness of extreme weather in the region.
Experts warn that climate change is amplifying the scale of such disasters. Northern Pakistan, one of the most glaciated regions in the world, is experiencing rapid ice melt, leaving the mountains unstable. Combined with intense rainfall, this melting accelerates landslides and flooding.
While investigations into the immediate causes of the disaster continue, scientists emphasize that global warming and glacial retreat are major factors driving the worsening cycle of destruction.
