According to Rescue spokesperson Niaz Ahmad Khan, heavy rains in Swat district triggered flooding in the Swat River, sweeping away dozens of people at various points.
Eyewitnesses Abid Ali Jan and Aziz-ul-Haq, who were present near the bypass area, said that three families from Sialkot and Mardan were having breakfast on a gravel mound illegally dug on the riverbank. Suddenly, the water level rose, surrounding the mound from all sides. The families couldn’t reach the riverbank due to deep pits and the strong current. According to eyewitnesses, the surge of water swept everyone away one by one.
Local residents reported the incident immediately to the district administration and Rescue 1122, but rescue teams arrived after a considerable delay. By the time they arrived, eight bodies had already been shifted to the hospital.
According to an initial report from Rescue 1122, more than 17 people are feared drowned near Relax Hotel on the bypass. So far, 8 bodies have been recovered, and divers and rescue teams are searching for the missing individuals.
A survivor from the affected family said that 9 members of their family — including his two daughters — were swept away in the river, with most of the victims being women and children.
Terrifying footage of the incident has also emerged, showing around a dozen people — including women and children — stranded on a mound of earth, who are seen being washed away moments later.
Rescue officials reported that 22 people stranded in floodwaters in Imam Dherai were successfully rescued.
At Ghalegay, 7 individuals were trapped in the flood. One body has been recovered, while search efforts continue for the rest.
In Maniyar, 7 people were caught in the water’s flow, and a search operation is underway. Similarly, one person was trapped by the flood in Panjigram.
In Barha Bama Khaila area of Matta, 20 to 30 people were trapped by flooding and have been safely rescued.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army has reached Swat to help deal with the flood emergency. Army teams equipped with essential rescue and relief gear are participating in the mission. So far, 3 people have been rescued alive.
Elsewhere, in Abbottabad, heavy rains caused flooding in streams and drains, resulting in waterlogging on roads, streets, and low-lying areas. A tree fell due to rain near Galyat Kundla, blocking the road, while a tourist’s car was destroyed after falling into the river. The road blockage caused long queues of vehicles.
Prime Minister and Chief Minister Express Grief Over Incident
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the deaths of tourists swept away by floods in Khwazakhela, praying for forgiveness for the deceased and patience for the bereaved families.
The Prime Minister instructed for the swift search of missing persons and ordered strengthened safety measures near rivers and streams.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also expressed sorrow over the Swat incident. He said that several people were swept away by floods in the Swat River, and that search operations by Rescue 1122 and district administration are ongoing at various locations.
He instructed Rescue 1122 to accelerate operations, directing the use of all available resources to recover all individuals as quickly as possible.
Gandapur added that rain and flood alerts had already been issued, and the administration must ensure tourists and locals follow them. He emphasized that strict action must be taken by the district administration to prevent such incidents.
Chief Minister Orders Suspension of Negligent Officials
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur ordered the suspension of officials who were negligent during the flood emergency in Swat.
Assistant Commissioner Babuzai was suspended for failing to take timely action, and Assistant Commissioner Khwazakhela was suspended for not issuing prior warnings.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner (Relief) was also suspended for failing to fulfill responsibilities on time, and the district in-charge of Rescue was similarly removed from duty.
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