Swat River Flash Flood: Death Toll Rises to 10, Search Continues for Missing Tourists

SWAT (RNN TV) — The death toll from Friday’s devastating flash flood in the Swat River rose to ten on Saturday, as rescue teams recovered another body downstream near Barikot, officials confirmed.

The sudden deluge struck early Friday morning, catching dozens of tourists off guard while they were enjoying breakfast along a dry stretch of the riverbed near the Swat Bypass. According to the district administration, approximately 70 people were caught in the flood. So far, 55 individuals have been rescued safely, while the search continues for three others still missing.

Rescue 1122 officials said the operation, now in its second day, involves Civil Defence teams, local volunteers, and trained swimmers. Two of the latest bodies were found downstream and have been transported to their hometowns by ambulances arranged by the local administration.

“Initially, we believed the stranded tourists were close enough to the bank for rope rescues,” said a Rescue 1122 spokesperson. “But when the water levels rose quickly, we had to deploy professional swimmers, which allowed us to save several more people.”

Among the deceased are ten members of the same family from Sialkot, who were swept away by the floodwaters. Their identities have been confirmed, and all their bodies have been recovered.

Authorities believe the flash flood was triggered by a combination of heavy rainfall and accelerated glacial melt—an increasingly common pattern linked to climate change. A climate expert from the Pakistan Meteorological Department warned that such events are becoming more frequent and severe during the summer months in northern Pakistan.

“This tragedy is part of a broader trend,” the expert noted. “Rising temperatures are intensifying glacial melt and flash flood risks across the region.”

In response to the incident, local officials have urged tourists to stay clear of riverbanks during and after rainfall. The Deputy Commissioner of Swat has also directed hotels and riverside businesses to take precautionary measures and restrict access to vulnerable areas.

Rescue teams have vowed to continue operations until the remaining missing persons are found.

Source: Web Desk