Climate change has been one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century, and its impact is being felt across the globe. Developing countries like Pakistan are more vulnerable to climatic changes because of fragile infrastructure, and socio-economic constraints. Our beloved country has been a victim of these torrential rains and floods since last many years but this year has caused more panic because of the number of lives lost. With the ongoing political and economic struggles of Pakistan, the latter was recently hit by massive floods which caused severe damage in major cities of the country.
To understand the fundamental cause behind these events is that a warmer atmosphere can hold a greater volume of moisture. This leads to more intense and concentrated downpours, often referred to as “rain bombs.” A more precise term for this is a “cloudburst,” which is a complex and extreme weather event where more than 100 millimeters of rain can fall within a single hour over a small, localized area. These events are particularly devastating in mountainous regions like the northern parts of Pakistan, where warm, moist air rising from the plains is forced upward by the steep slopes.
Climate change is no longer a myth for Pakistan as it is a clear threat to the masses.
For example, in recent years, cloudbursts in Chitral and Swat caused flash floods that destroyed homes, roads, and bridges, cutting off entire communities from relief operations. Cloudbursts not only damage infrastructure but also increase the risk of landslides in mountainous areas, compounding the disaster. The frequency of such incidents reflects the urgency of climate adaptation measures in Pakistan’s northern belt.
The South Asian monsoon is a lifeline for agriculture in Pakistan, but with changing climate dynamics, it has turned into a recurring threat. The monsoon floods of 2010, 2014, and 2022 are among the most devastating natural disasters in Pakistan’s history.
The 2010 floods, caused by unprecedented monsoon rains, affected nearly 20 million people and submerged one-fifth of the country under water. Similarly, in 2022, Pakistan received almost three times its average rainfall during the monsoon season. Sindh and Balochistan were hit hardest, with villages, roads, crops, and livestock washed away. According to official estimates, over 33 million people were affected, more than 1,700 lives were lost, and economic damages exceeded $30 billion.
These floods were not limited to low-lying areas; cloudbursts and flash floods also wreaked havoc in northern Pakistan. Areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Swat, Dir, and Chitral, experienced destructive torrents triggered by sudden rainfall in mountainous regions. Such flash floods are particularly dangerous because they occur with little warning, sweeping away everything in their path.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the lead federal agency responsible for coordinating responses to natural disasters in Pakistan. It works in collaboration with Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), the Pakistan Army, NGOs, and international partners. NDMA has always been at the front foot whenever Pakistan faces such challenges and has fulfilled their responsibilities to their very best.
Key Responsibilities of NDMA include:
Early Warning Systems
Improving flood forecasting through collaboration with the Pakistan Meteorological Department and installing modern weather-radar systems.
Preparedness and Training
Conducting disaster preparedness drills and capacity-building programs for local communities.
Relief and Rescue Operations
Coordinating emergency relief efforts, including rescue by helicopters, distribution of food, tents, and medical aid.
Rehabilitation and Reconstruction
Supporting long-term rehabilitation programs, such as rebuilding homes, schools, and hospitals in affected areas.
Policy Development
Drafting and implementing national-level disaster management policies and guidelines.
While NDMA has made progress in developing frameworks, the recurring scale of disasters highlights gaps in implementation, funding, and coordination.
To effectively address the growing threat of climate change and recurring floods, Pakistan needs a comprehensive and multi-layered strategy. First and foremost, forecasting and early warning systems must be strengthened through modern technology that allows accurate weather predictions and timely communication with vulnerable communities. At the same time, climate-resilient infrastructure such as embankments, dams, drainage systems, and flood-resistant roads and bridges should be developed to withstand the intensity of heavy rains.
Equally important is community-based disaster preparedness, where local populations are trained in emergency response so they can act swiftly when floods strike. In the northern areas, monitoring of glaciers and glacial lakes must be expanded to predict and manage potential glacial lake outburst floods. Stronger coordination among NDMA, PDMAs, the armed forces, and NGOs is essential to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure resources are used efficiently. Lastly, Pakistan must continue to seek international cooperation and climate financing to fund adaptation projects, as the country suffers disproportionately from the consequences of climate change despite contributing very little to global carbon emissions.
Climate change is no longer a myth for Pakistan as it is a clear threat to the masses. Monsoon floods, cloudbursts, and glacial melting are stark reminders of the country’s vulnerability. There are multiple agencies which are facilitating the locals and aiding the victims but there is still a lot to be done in terms of strengthening infrastructure, and adopt long-term climate change adaptation strategies. These collective efforts can only contribute towards a better and prepared Pakistan to safeguard its people from the worsening impacts of climate change. We all should equally play our part as a responsible citizen of Pakistan to overcome these challenges and fight this global climate change together.
The writer is member (Punjab Assembly). She is a close aide of Maryam Nawaz and tweets at @hinaparvezbutt