Locations Affected: India, Pakistan
Over the past few days, heavy rainfall and floods have caused widespread destruction and hundreds of casualties across various parts of South Asia. A cloudburst in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, India, on 14 August triggered landslides and mudslides, destroying infrastructure and resulting in more than 60 casualties. Cloudbursts and flash floods have also impacted northwestern Pakistan, killing over 300 people in recent days. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has been the worst-hit region. Rescue operations are ongoing but are hampered by adverse weather, damaged roads, and the remote locations of the affected areas.
Monsoon in South Asia and Impact of Climate Change
The South Asian monsoon season typically occurs between June and September, bringing about three-quarters of the region’s annual rainfall. The northern regions of India and Pakistan are particularly vulnerable to flash floods and cloudbursts during this period. The National Disaster Agency of Pakistan has stated that the intensity of this year’s monsoon is about 50–60 percent higher than last year. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has also predicted above-average rainfall for the 2025 monsoon season. Climate change is heightening the region’s susceptibility to rain-related disasters. Global warming is accelerating glacier melt, dislodging debris such as rock and soil, which likely contributed to the recent flash floods and landslides.
Impact of the Torrential Rain
- India: Over the past few days, continuous heavy rainfall, landslides, and road blockages have been reported in Kullu and Banjar, Himachal Pradesh, where rain-related incidents since 20 June have caused 268 deaths. A massive landslide in Shimla on 18 August blocked vehicular movement near the Raj Bhawan area. In Maharashtra’s Nanded district, torrential rainfall has flooded several areas, trapping more than 200 people in villages.
- Pakistan: According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Buner district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been the most severely affected, reporting 217 deaths due to torrential rain and floods. Estimates suggest about 50 percent of houses in Buner have been completely destroyed, with the rest rendered uninhabitable. On 18 August, a cloudburst in Swabi destroyed several houses and caused more than 20 fatalities, prompting the evacuation of around 100 people. Multiple areas in the northwest have been officially declared disaster zones. On 20 August, torrential rain in Karachi caused closure of businesses and public offices and at least 10 casualties.
Outlook on the Situation
Rainfall is forecast to continue until 21 August in northwest Pakistan. Authorities in Punjab province are on high alert for potential cloudbursts and floods. Heavy rainfall is also expected across Pakistan, including Karachi and Islamabad. In India, the Jammu and Kashmir government has alerted authorities and the public to remain prepared for flash floods and landslides, as the Meteorological Department (MeT) Srinagar forecasts moderate to heavy rainfall in several districts over the coming days. Multiple Indian states, including Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, are also on alert for heavy rainfall.
Persistent rainfall could increase the risk of further incidents and worsen conditions in already affected areas. Travel disruptions due to blocked roads may impact supply chains, while damage to utility infrastructure could disrupt power and communication services. Organizations are advised to remain situationally aware and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
