Heavy Rains Cause Swat River to Surge, 19 Swept Away

SWAT (RNN TV) — Flash floods triggered by sudden surges in the Swat River and nearby streams following heavy monsoon rains on Friday have resulted in at least 10 deaths, with many others still missing, officials confirmed.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) described the flood level as “very high,” as torrential rains caused the river to swell rapidly, sweeping away 19 tourists—including women and children—gathered along a rocky riverbank near the Swat bypass road. Rescue teams saved three individuals, while 10 bodies were recovered by Saturday.

Victims primarily belonged to two families from Sialkot and Mardan, visiting the popular tourist destination. The deceased have been identified and transferred to Saidu Teaching Hospital. Rescue 1122, local police, and district officials continue search operations, with diving teams deployed to assist recovery efforts.

Authorities declared a state of emergency, urging the public to avoid riverbanks. Dozens remain stranded in flood-affected areas, with many rescued and relocated to safer zones such as Mam Dherai and Ghaligay.

Chief Secretary Shehab Ali Shah reported that over 75 people were trapped, with 58 already rescued, while 18 remain missing. A special flood cell has been established under Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s orders, with alerts issued for neighboring districts anticipating floodwater impacts.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences and directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to coordinate relief efforts.

The NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) issued warnings of continued heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh, forecasting urban flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.

Among those lost was a large family from Daska, including multiple children and relatives caught in the sudden surge while enjoying a summer outing near Fizagat. Local administration officials have visited affected families to offer condolences amid growing public calls for enhanced safety measures and regulations in flood-prone tourist areas.

Source: Web Desk