What is the location of the flooding?
Since mid-August 2025, relentless monsoon rains have triggered devastating floods and landslides across Pakistan. Initially centered in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the crisis has now spread downstream into Sindh and Balochistan, where major rivers and barrages are experiencing sharp inflows.
Punjab’s Ravi, Chenab, and Sutlej rivers swelled simultaneously, inundating agricultural heartlands. Multan is now at severe risk, with Jalalpur Pirwala tehsil already submerged as the Chenab continues to rise.
Meanwhile, Sindh is bracing for more flooding as new weather systems bring extremely heavy rainfall from September 7–10. NDMA has warned of possible urban flooding and flash floods in Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan (1).
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
In Punjab, millions have been affected as Bahawalpur, Jhang, Multan, Muzaffargarh, and Rahim Yar Khan face inundation, while Faisalabad, Kasur and Lahore, continue to face urban flooding.
In Sindh, rising inflows at many barrages have raised alarms, threatening the following low-lying areas:
Karachi, which has already seen above-average rainfall this year, is also at risk of additional flooding.
In Balochistan, authorities warn of flash floods in the following areas:
- Lasbela
- Khuzdar
- Keerthar
- Koh-e-Suleiman
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
Containment remains challenging as floodwaters spread across multiple provinces. At least nine million people have been affected nationwide, with thousands of villages submerged and millions displaced (2).
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with Punjab’s PDMA and NDMA deploying helicopters, boats, and medical camps. More than 9,000 people have been rescued in Multan alone, though evacuation remains incomplete in many low-lying areas.
Sindh has assured that relief machinery is fully mobilized. Controlled breaches and water diversion attempts have been made, but local resistance in some areas has hampered efforts (3).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Evacuation orders remain in force across Punjab and Sindh’s river belts. In Multan’s Jalalpur Pirwala, tens of thousands were ordered to evacuate as water entered urban areas. Authorities have appealed to residents of Alipur, Jatoi and Muzaffargarh to leave immediately.
In Sindh, evacuations are underway near Sehwan, Sukkur, and Kotri barrages, while NDMA continues to warn the public to avoid crossing streams and follow emergency advisories.
The scale of displacement is enormous: more than two million people have fled their homes in Punjab, while thousands more are being evacuated from Sindh and Balochistan as fresh rainfalls are forecast. Tragically, boat accidents during rescues have claimed several lives, underscoring the dangerous conditions.
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
