Flash Floods 2022 in Pakistan: Mapping Responses and Challenges

Abstract

The unprecedented flash floods of 2022 in Pakistan affected nearly 33 million people, cost over 1700 lives, and pushed another nine million into extreme poverty. The flash floods also severely damaged housing, livelihood, critical health, education, communication infrastructure, and other sectors of Pakistan’s economy. The destruction amid the 2022 flash floods has highlighted the need for a comprehensive climate security framework that addresses the complex and interrelated challenges posed by climate change. Such a framework requires a coordinated and sustained effort to address the underlying drivers of vulnerability and build resilience to climate-induced threats, thereby promoting the country’s long-term stability and security. This research paper critically appraises the 2022 flash floods in Pakistan by viewing them through climate security and human security paradigms. This study further identifies key institutional responses to the 2022 flash floods, assesses the damage and infrastructure needs, and attempts to critically analyze how securitizing climate change can mitigate future climate-induced risks. It also highlights the challenges in addressing floods’ immediate and long-term impacts and suggests that investing in infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and institutional capacity building is essential for building resilience against future climate change impacts.