Drowning in Inequity: The July 17, 2025 Monsoon Floods in Pakistan

ckinitiative
Jul 21, 2025
4 min read

Credits: Mahrosh Usman (Climate Researcher)

How did the July 17, 2025, monsoon floods in Pakistan disproportionately impact marginalized communities, and what systemic failures in climate adaptation contributed to this crisis?

Introduction

On July 17, 2025, heavy monsoon rains hit Pakistan, causing at least 63 fatalities within 24 hours and raising the nationwide monsoon death toll to at least 159, with some sources reporting up to 180, half of them children (Reuters, 2025; SVT, 2025). Floods devastated Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, necessitating evacuations, damaging fragile infrastructure, and disproportionately impacting low-income, rural, and ethnic minority groups (BBC News, 2025; Al Jazeera, 2025).

The catastrophe underscores a profound climate inequity: Pakistan, which is accountable for less than 1% of worldwide emissions-continually suffers from the effects of climate change (BBC News, 2025).

Background

Record Monsoon Rainfall:

From late June to mid-July, Pakistan experienced 82% increased rainfall relative to the average, while Punjab received significantly higher rainfall than average, contributing to the seasonal increase of 82% above normal (Guardian, 2025; Arab News, 2025). Chakwal recorded over 400 mm, more than twice its usual amounts (AP News, 2025; CNN, 2025).

Glacial Melting & Heat Waves:

Pre-monsoon heat waves in Gilgit-Baltistan caused temperatures to rise to 48.5 °C, speeding up glacial melting and heightening flood risk (Al Jazeera, 2025; BBC News, 2025). This melting worsens flash floods when coupled with intense rainfall (The Guardian, 2025).

Historical Vulnerability:

Pakistan has faced numerous climate disasters, including the 2022 mega-floods that forced 33 million individuals to evacuate, highlighting a fragile ability to withstand climate shocks (Al Jazeera, 2025).

Present-Day Effects

Human Toll:

Sources report 63 fatalities in a single day in Punjab, increasing the cumulative death toll since late June to at least 159, with unofficial reports suggesting up to 180 (Reuters, 2025; SVT, 2025).

Infrastructure Collapse:

Numerous houses fell, particularly in low-income regions, roadways were wrecked, and cities such as Lahore and Rawalpindi faced severe flooding and electricity outages (CNN, 2025; Al Jazeera, 2025).

Evacuations & Emergency Response:

More than 290 individuals injured, including 290 injuries on July 17 in Punjab alone, and over 393 injured since late June (Arab News, 2025); the NDMA, PDMA, and military initiated rescue missions with boats and helicopters, evacuated complete communities near Nullah Lai, and announced emergency holidays to avert additional injuries (ABC News/AP, 2025; BBC News, 2025).

Most Affected:

The most vulnerable households, informal settlers, women, children, and individuals with disabilities lacked systemic assistance, encountered delays in support, and suffered greater loss of life and livelihoods (Al Jazeera, 2025; Community World Service Asia, 2025).

Systems of Injustice

Human Toll:

Sources report 63 fatalities in a single day in Punjab, increasing the cumulative death toll since late June to at least 159, with unofficial reports suggesting up to 180 (Reuters, 2025; SVT, 2025).

Infrastructure Collapse:

Numerous houses fell, particularly in low-income regions, roadways were wrecked, and cities such as Lahore and Rawalpindi faced severe flooding and electricity outages (CNN, 2025; Al Jazeera, 2025).

Evacuations & Emergency Response:

Most Affected:

Solutions / Calls To Action

Equitable Climate Finance:

Pakistan supports climate assistance in the form of grants instead of loans. Commitments made in 2023 are mostly unfulfilled, with only $2.8 billion disbursed from the $10 billion pledged in 2023 (Al Jazeera, 2025).

Resilience-Enhancing Initiatives:

A $9.8 million UN-supported project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa seeks to strengthen infrastructure, enhance early warning systems, and train local responders (Policy-Wire, 2025).

Bottom-Up Interventions:

Organizations such as Community World Service Asia are advancing shelters that include women and individuals with disabilities, training locals to act as disaster responders, and protecting livelihoods (Community World Service Asia, 2025).

Policy Change & Public Engagement:

Youth-led organizations advocate for clear climate funding and the incorporation of indigenous wisdom in planning. Intense media attention (CNN, BBC) enhances the demand for responsibility.

Conclusion

The July 17, 2025, monsoon floods in Pakistan were not just a natural disaster–they were a manifestation of climate injustice. Vulnerable communities are continually on the receiving end of global climate failures. Addressing this requires global reparations, equitable project funding, strengthened local infrastructure, and inclusive governance to ensure that future crises do not deepen existing inequalities.

Be the Change: Join CKI’s Mission for Flood Justice In Pakistan

The July 17, 2025, floods were not just a tragedy–they were a test of global solidarity. As climate injustice drowns rural communities across Pakistan, CKI invites you to rise with purpose. Through CKI’s Climate Ambassador Program, you can lead awareness campaigns, educate your campus or community, and take action on environmental racism, government neglect, and disaster vulnerability in flood-prone regions. Ready to do more? The CKI Climate Enrichment Program empowers you to collect donations, provide emergency aid, and support essentials like clean water systems, hygiene kits, and legal advocacy for displaced families. Whether you’re organizing an online fundraiser or a school event, your voice can amplify the fight for justice–for Pakistan, and beyond.