A devastating flash flood in the Swat River swept away 18 people on Friday morning, leaving nine dead and four missing, as rescue operations continue in challenging conditions.
Deadly Flood Strikes Swat River
A sudden surge in the Swat River claimed the lives of nine individuals and left four others missing after 17 people were swept away by flash floods on Friday morning. The tragedy occurred around 8 a.m. when a group, including tourists from Sialkot and Mardan, were having breakfast by the riverbank. Heavy rainfall upstream triggered an unexpected rise in water levels, catching the group off guard. Swat Deputy Commissioner Shehzad Mehboob confirmed that rescue teams have recovered nine bodies and saved four individuals, with efforts ongoing to locate the remaining missing persons.
The group included 10 residents of Sialkot, six from Mardan, and one local from Swat. According to rescue officials, the Sialkot group was on a leisure trip and unaware of the sudden water surge. A family member recounted the heartbreaking incident, noting that 10 of his relatives, including nine children, were swept away while taking selfies near the river. Despite Section 144 restrictions prohibiting approaching the river, some tourists ventured into hazardous areas, exacerbating the tragedy.
Rescue Efforts and Official Response
Rescue operations, involving Rescue 1122 and Pakistan Army troops, are underway to locate the missing and assist those affected. Teams have successfully rescued 55 individuals across Swat, including 22 in Imam Dherai and others in Panjigram and Bara Bamakhela Matta. However, the search continues for six missing persons in Ghalegay and other areas, with three bodies recovered from the Angro Dherai Canal and one near a hotel on Bypass Road.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow, ordering immediate search operations and directing the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to issue safety advisories near rivers and streams. President Asif Ali Zardari and Senator Sherry Rehman also extended condolences, calling the incident an “irreparable tragedy” and urging swift rescue efforts.
Regional Flooding and Ongoing Challenges
The Swat River incident follows torrential rains that caused widespread flooding in Swat and Lower Dir. In Lower Dir, five individuals, including two children and two women, were rescued from perilous situations caused by the swollen Panjkora River. The heavy rainfall has strained rescue teams, who are working tirelessly to save those stranded by rising waters across the region.
Authorities are urging the public to adhere to safety guidelines and avoid riverbanks during extreme weather conditions to prevent further loss of life.
