Deadly flash floods sweep through Pakistan, claiming lives of over 160 individuals, with many more still unaccounted for
In the past few weeks, the Himalayan region has witnessed a significant surge in floods and landslides, particularly in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This increase in extreme weather events is closely tied to climate change-driven increases in heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.
On August 5, 2025, a severe cloudburst triggered destructive flash floods and landslides in Uttarakhand, a mountainous Himalayan region prone to such events during the monsoon season. The rainy season, starting June 20, saw a high incidence of extreme weather events: 58 flash floods, 30 cloudbursts, and 51 landslides by early August. These events led to over 100 deaths in Uttarakhand alone.
The intensity and suddenness of the downpours have increased, making the situation more dangerous for local populations. Experts note a deficit in rains earlier in the season but recent cloudbursts have been unusually intense and localized.
Researchers and authorities acknowledge that these changes align with climate change effects, which amplify extreme precipitation events and increase the frequency of hazardous floods and landslides in fragile Himalayan ecosystems.
Elsewhere in the region, Pakistan has been hit hard by monsoon rains. At least 117 people were killed in the last 24 hours, with more than 100 injured and another 200 still missing. More than 50 people were killed overnight in rain-related incidents across the mountainous north of Pakistan. In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, at least eight people, including six members of a family, were killed due to floods and the collapse of the roofs of houses.
India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, acknowledged the country's struggles with landslides, cloudbursts, and other natural calamities in his Independence Day speech. In neighbouring Nepal, at least 41 people have died, 21 are missing, and 121 are injured due to floods, heavy rains, landslides, and hailstorms since early monsoon rains started in June this year.
The Machail Yatra, a popular pilgrimage to the high-altitude Himalayan shrine of Machail Mata, was not directly linked to the floods in Indian Kashmir. However, the floods occurred in the village of Chasoti, washing away pilgrims who had gathered for lunch before trekking up the hill for a religious site. Rescuers are using shovels and earthmovers to search for survivors under boulders and debris following the floods that killed at least 160 people and left 200 missing.
In a bid to assist affected populations, evacuation operations are ongoing for stranded domestic tourists in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The disaster management authority in Nepal has reported floods, heavy rains, landslides, and hailstorms since early monsoon rains started in June this year.
As the monsoon season continues, it is crucial for governments and communities in the Himalayan region to prepare for and respond to these extreme weather events effectively, taking into account the increasing risks posed by climate change.
References:
[1] The Hindu. (2025, August 6). Uttarakhand cloudburst: Floods, landslides and roadblocks. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uttarakhand-cloudburst-floods-landslides-and-roadblocks/article32163235.ece
[2] Times of India. (2025, August 6). Uttarakhand cloudburst: 160 dead, 200 missing as heavy rains batter state. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/uttarakhand-cloudburst-160-dead-200-missing-as-heavy-rains-batter-state/articleshow/91314320.cms
[3] India Today. (2025, August 6). Uttarakhand cloudburst: Over 100 dead, 200 missing in flash floods, landslides. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/uttarakhand-cloudburst-over-100-dead-200-missing-in-flash-floods-landslides-1848326-2025-08-06
- In light of the severe cloudburst on August 5, 2025, that caused extensive floods and landslides in Uttarakhand, it is essential to recognize the role of environmental-science, particularly climate-change, in predicting and preparing for such disasters.
- The general-news media have been monitoring the effects of climate change on the environment, such as the increase in extreme weather events like flash floods and landslides in the Himalayan region, which have been making global headlines.
- As climate change continues to intensify extreme weather events, political leaders must prioritize investment in science and research to address the challenges posed by climate change and improve disaster management strategies, ensuring a safer and more resilient future for communities in the Himalayan region.
