SWAT/PESHAWAR/ISLAMABAD:
At least nine people lost their lives on Friday after 18 members of a family visiting from Sialkot were swept away by a sudden flood surge in the Swat River. The family was enjoying a riverside breakfast when the powerful wave struck, catching them completely off guard.
According to Rescue 1122, three individuals have been successfully rescued while five bodies have been recovered. The search continues for the remaining missing members under difficult and dangerous conditions.
Authorities said the tragedy occurred around 8am when water levels rose sharply due to heavy rainfall upstream. The family, unaware of the threat, was relaxing near the riverbank when the water surged.
“There were guests sitting by the riverbank on the bypass who were unaware of the incoming wave,” a rescue official explained. “We received the first alert around 8am.”
Despite Section 144 being in effect—which prohibits approaching or bathing in the river—many tourists continue to disregard the safety directive. Deputy Commissioner Swat Shahzad Mehboob reiterated the importance of obeying the law, warning that these restrictions exist to prevent exactly such disasters.
A heartbroken family member spoke to Geo News, describing the horror of watching ten relatives—including nine children—get swept away. “We were having breakfast and tea. The children went closer to the river for a selfie. The water level wasn’t high at the time,” he said, tearfully. He also criticized the response time, claiming rescue teams reached the site after the children had already disappeared in the water.
The devastating incident has prompted the Pakistan Army to join rescue and relief operations. Troops equipped with rescue gear have arrived in Swat and are working alongside Rescue 1122 teams in the ongoing search effort.
National leaders express sorrow
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the tragedy and offered condolences to the bereaved families. He ordered an immediate search operation for the missing individuals and directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and local authorities to issue safety guidelines around rivers, especially in light of the worsening weather across the country.
President Asif Ali Zardari also shared his condolences, saying, “I express my heartfelt sympathy to the families of the deceased and pray for their patience during this difficult time. May Allah grant the departed souls eternal peace.”
Senator Sherry Rehman echoed the sentiment, calling the loss of life “an irreparable tragedy.” She urged that all efforts be made to save as many people as possible.
torrential rain adds to chaos
The incident came just hours after heavy overnight rainfall caused flooding in several areas of Swat and Lower Dir. Rivers and canals overflowed, trapping residents and tourists alike.
In Lower Dir, rescue teams managed to save two women, two children, and an elderly man from life-threatening situations.
In Swat, the flooding was especially severe. Initial reports indicated that around 70 people were trapped at different locations. So far, 55 of them have been rescued, while operations continue to locate the remaining individuals.
Authorities have urged the public to stay away from riverbanks and comply with safety advisories as weather conditions remain unpredictable.
