Monsoon Disaster in Pakistan: Over 60 Dead
Heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan have claimed the lives of at least 63 people after powerful downpours triggered massive flooding in the Punjab province on Wednesday. The storm system, which originated as showers over northwest India, intensified into a strong low-pressure system, delivering relentless rain across major cities, including Lahore and Islamabad.
The city of Chakwal was the hardest hit, recording 423mm of rainfall—more than double the monthly average for July.
Low-Lying Areas Submerged
The overflowing rivers breached their banks, inundating low-lying regions and displacing many families. While some deaths were caused by drowning, most fatalities resulted from building collapses and electrocution incidents due to exposed wiring and waterlogged areas.
This recent event brings the 2025 monsoon death toll in Pakistan to nearly 180, with more than half the victims being children. Experts warn that climate change is making such extreme weather events more frequent and devastating, particularly for vulnerable nations like Pakistan.
Flash Flooding in New York & New Jersey
At the same time, severe rains battered the northeastern United States, causing flash floods in New York and New Jersey. In New Jersey, a state of emergency was declared as more than 150mm of rain fell within a few hours, flooding roads and sweeping away vehicles—resulting in two deaths.
New York City witnessed its second-highest hourly rainfall on record, with 50mm falling in just 30 minutes, flooding subway stations and disrupting daily life.
Himalayan Tsunami Hits Nepal After Glacial Lake Bursts
In Nepal, an unusual type of flood occurred—caused by a glacial lake outburst. Rising spring temperatures led to the melting of a glacier near the Tibetan border, forming a massive lake that reached 638,000 square metres. On July 8, the glacier gave way, unleashing a torrent of water downstream, known as a “Himalayan tsunami.”
The flood swept through Rasuwa district, destroying infrastructure and killing at least 7 people. Experts are increasingly worried about the growing threat of glacial lake outbursts, fueled by rapid climate warming in the Himalayan region.
Climate Change Behind Extreme Weather
The rising frequency and intensity of such disasters across Asia and the US are being linked to the global climate crisis. Scientists warn that unless urgent measures are taken, extreme rainfalls, flash floods, and glacial outbursts will only worsen, endangering millions of lives.
