At least 22 people have lost their lives and 11 others have been injured in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to rain-related incidents, including flash floods, landslides, and strong winds, since June 25. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has warned of continued monsoon rains, raising concerns about further flooding and landslides across the province.
Devastation Across Multiple Districts
Heavy rainfall has caused widespread destruction in districts such as Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Chitral, Buner, Swabi, Kurram, Charsadda, Malakand, Shangla, Lower Dir, Torghar, and South Waziristan. According to the PDMA, the victims include seven men, five women, and 10 children, with the injured comprising six men, four women, and one child. Additionally, 75 houses have been damaged, with 64 partially and 11 completely destroyed. Swat has been the hardest hit, reporting 14 deaths and six injuries.
The PDMA has directed district administrations to provide immediate aid to affected families and ensure medical support for the injured. With rains expected to persist until July 1, authorities have been instructed to remain vigilant and implement preventive measures to mitigate further losses.
Rescue Efforts Continue in Swat River
Rescue operations are ongoing along the Swat River, where 13 tourists went missing amid heavy rainfall and flash floods. On the fourth consecutive day of searches, teams are scouring areas such as Swat bypass, Kanju, and Brikot to locate a missing child, with 12 bodies already recovered. The provincial government has rescued 80 people from the floods, but challenges remain due to the lack of specialized equipment for airlifting stranded individuals in adverse weather conditions.
Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Adviser to the Chief Minister on Information, addressed the limitations of the air ambulance, stating it is designed for transporting the injured rather than conducting complex rescue operations. He also announced plans to address encroachments along the Swat River, which have exacerbated flooding risks.
Public Outcry and Calls for Accountability
The tragic loss of lives has sparked protests in Swat, with residents, political activists, traders, and lawyers rallying against the delayed response from authorities. Demonstrations at Nishat Chowk in Mingora highlighted public frustration over the lack of timely assistance from rescue services and the district administration. Protesters have demanded a modern rescue system, including helicopter services and an early flood warning mechanism, to prevent future tragedies.
Concerns have also been raised about unchecked riverbed mining in Swat, which has altered the river’s natural course, contributing to environmental damage and hazardous conditions. The public is calling for stricter regulations and improved disaster management protocols.
Government Response and Investigations
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has expressed grief over the Swat River tragedy and ordered an investigation into the incident. Compensation has been announced for the families of the deceased, and four officials from Swat’s district administration and relief department have been suspended. The government is under pressure to address systemic issues in disaster response and ensure accountability for the recent losses.
As monsoon rains continue to batter the region, authorities are urging residents to stay cautious and follow safety advisories to avoid further casualties.
