Pakistan, June 28 -- Flash floods in Swat have taken lives, destroyed homes, and displaced families. At least 18 people are missing and eight have died. Rescue teams have pulled survivors from rooftops. What has unfolded is not unexpected, and that is precisely the failure.

According to the Global Climate Risk Index, Pakistan ranks among the top three countries most affected by extreme weather events. Since 2000, the country has suffered more than 150 climate-related disasters. In 2022 alone, one-third of Pakistan was submerged. Over 33 million people were affected, 1,700 lives were lost, and economic damage exceeded $30 billion.

But floods become deadly not only because of rainfall, but because of exposure and neglect. In Swat and acro...