Pakistan is currently experiencing a severe escalation of monsoon-induced flooding, with the Gilgit-Baltistan region being particularly hard-hit. Relentless monsoon rains, compounded by Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), have caused widespread devastation, destroying homes and critical infrastructure. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued high alerts, anticipating continued rainfall and the potential for further flooding across numerous districts.
The torrential downpours have triggered flash floods and landslides, submerging villages and inundating agricultural lands. Road networks have suffered severe damage, impeding rescue and relief operations. Initial assessments indicate that approximately 80% of affected areas are experiencing inundation, with over 330 houses in Gilgit, Baltistan, and surrounding districts impacted, alongside damage to dozens of businesses. The situation remains critical as officials warn of ongoing risks from unstable glacial lakes and the potential for more intense rainfall.
The United Kingdom has pledged £1.33 million in humanitarian aid to support Pakistan's monsoon response, aiming to assist over 223,000 people in flood-affected districts of Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This aid will fund essential operations, including food distribution, search and rescue, mobile medical services, and the rehabilitation of water and irrigation systems. The UK has also supported the training of 2,400 community volunteers for search and rescue operations.
Experts highlight that deforestation is significantly amplifying the destruction caused by heavy rains and flash floods in Pakistan. The country's diminished forest cover weakens its natural defenses against such calamities. This environmental degradation, coupled with the increasing frequency of extreme weather events linked to climate change, presents a compounding challenge. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast widespread heavy rains across the country from August 23 to August 30, with a particular focus on Sindh and eastern and southern Balochistan from August 27 to 29. This forecast has prompted the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to issue a red alert, urging preparedness for potential flooding and urban inundation.
The Tarbela Dam has reached its maximum conservation level, leading to the opening of its spillways. The Guddu Barrage on the Indus River is experiencing a moderate flood situation, and the Sutlej River is also showing a rapid surge in water levels. These conditions underscore the persistent threat posed by the ongoing monsoon season.