Rising waters, rising needs: Pakistan’s escalating flood crisis
25 September 2025
Over recent months, relentless monsoon rains and glacial floods have devastated Pakistan, claiming almost 1000 lives and forcing tens of thousands from their homes.
Vital infrastructure including homes, roads, bridges, crops, and livestock has been destroyed, leaving communities without safe water, food, shelter, or healthcare. Rising disease outbreaks are adding to the crisis.
In response to the rapidly escalating needs, Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), is intensifying its emergency operations in the affected areas.
“This is an urgent humanitarian emergency. Each passing hour is crucial. We are calling on our partners and the international community to stand with the people of Pakistan,” said PRCS Chairperson, Farzhana Naek. “We are actively responding on the ground, but more support is urgently needed to save lives and prevent further suffering.”
Red Crescent on the frontlines
Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) staff and volunteer teams are delivering emergency relief including clean water, meals, medical care, emergency shelter, and essential supplies in the hardest-hit areas. Emergency Control Rooms have been set up across the country to coordinate the response and ensure help reaches those most in need.
“Our teams are working around the clock, side-by-side with affected communities,” says Farzhana Naek. “Sadly, those hit hardest are already among the poorest, so our commitment is to stand with them through recovery.”
Rebuilding and preparing for a climate-challenged future
Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. In just the past few months, extreme weather events, including record-breaking monsoon rainfall, have impacted millions. Scientists from World Weather Attribution estimate that recent monsoon rains were intensified by up to 15 percent due to human-induced climate change.
With more extreme weather events expected in the years ahead, the IFRC and PRCS are committed to providing immediate humanitarian relief while also helping communities to build resilience and prepare for future climate shocks.
Restoring Family Links service
Our Restoring Family Links service is available for people who have lost contact with loved ones affected by flooding in Pakistan. Call: 0800 RED CROSS (0800 733 27677) Email: familylinks@redcross.org.nz
More information
The flooding in Pakistan is a reminder that disasters and severe weather events are becoming more frequent and devastating. Red Cross can respond to emergencies like this all around the world thanks to donations to our Global Disaster Fund. Find out more and make a donation at:
Lead image: The Pakistan Red Crescent Society, with IFRC support, is providing emergency relief following relentless monsoon rains and glacial floods which have devastated the country, claiming more than 800 lives and forcing tens of thousands from their homes. (Photo credit: Pakistan Red Crescent Society/IFRC)