Pakistan: Torrential Rains Leave Hundreds Dead, Churches Mobilize Relief Efforts

Pakistan remains on high alert as torrential monsoon rains continue to batter the country, triggering floods, landslides, and widespread devastation. Weather forecasts predict another week of heavy downpours, raising fears of further casualties and damage.

In the north, particularly in the mountainous province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, flash floods and landslides have buried entire villages. According to reports gathered by Fides, more than 360 people have already lost their lives in recent days, with many families trapped under rubble and widespread destruction of homes, crops, and infrastructure.

Fr. Asif John Khokhar, Vicar General of the Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi and National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, described the situation as “terrible and completely unexpected.” Speaking to Fides, he explained that communication lines are severely disrupted, electricity and telephone services remain cut off in many areas, and rescue work is hampered by ongoing rainfall. “We know our priests in the north are safe, but people in the surrounding villages face catastrophic conditions, and their lives are in danger,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Christian communities, with the support of Caritas Pakistan and local parishes, have launched emergency aid programs to provide food, shelter, and essential items. Churches and schools have opened their doors to displaced families, regardless of faith.

In central Pakistan, Fr. Francis Gulzar of the Archdiocese of Lahore reported severe flooding in Gujranwala. “The rivers have overflowed, destroying homes and crops. Our parishes are offering refuge to all, Muslims and Christians alike, who have lost everything,” he said.

According to Fides, since July, monsoon rains have claimed more than 650 lives and injured over a thousand, making this one of the deadliest seasons in recent years. Relief efforts continue as communities struggle to respond to the growing humanitarian crisis.