The recent flash floods in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have unleashed unprecedented destruction in many parts of the province. Karachi, the largest city of Pakistan, was also paralysed by the onset of heavy rains and urban flooding. Drainage lines were blocked, traffic systems collapsed and a large part of the city remained in the dark due to prolonged power outages. These events have added to the long list of climate-related disasters that have struck Pakistan in the year 2025.

Summers in Pakistan began with an intense and protracted heatwave with temperatures reaching as high as 52 degrees Celsius and a death toll of around 1,200. On the other hand, a freak hailstorm struck the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi in April. Hailstones, the size of tennis balls, severely damaged houses, cars and other critical infrastructure. The situation grew worse due to several episodes of flash and urban flooding that devastated multiple northern and urban centres.

These incidents of flooding were triggered by Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), cloudburst and........

© The Express Tribune