Entire Family Swept Away by Deadly Pakistan Floods

In August 2022, a devastating flash flood in northern Pakistan's Sambrial village swept away an entire family, leaving only the grandfather, Arshad, alive. Rescuers and relatives have been searching knee-deep in water for the body of Arshad's one-year-old granddaughter, Zara, after she was carried away by the powerful current. The bodies of Zara's parents and three siblings had already been found days earlier.

The 2022 monsoon season in Pakistan has been particularly deadly, with the floods killing over 1,000 people and affecting at least 6.9 million, according to the United Nations. Despite contributing just 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan is struggling with the devastating consequences of climate change. The BBC's three-month journey across the country found that the poorest communities are suffering the most from these extreme weather events.

Arshad recounted the tragic incident, explaining how he had climbed onto the roof to safety but was unable to save his family in time as the powerful floodwaters swept them away. Sadly, Zara's story is just one of many heartbreaking tales emerging from the ongoing climate crisis in Pakistan.