Tragedy in Swat: Flash Floods Claim Nine Lives, Four Still Missing
SWAT, Pakistan – At least nine people, including children, drowned while four remain missing after sudden flash floods swept away 17 individuals along the Swat River on Friday. The victims were reportedly enjoying a riverside breakfast when torrential rains upstream triggered a deadly surge.
Key Developments
- Casualties: Nine bodies recovered, four survivors rescued, search ongoing for four missing
- Victims: Mostly tourists—10 from Sialkot, six from Mardan, one Swat local
- Cause: Unannounced water release amid heavy rains caught victims unaware
- Response: Pakistan Army deployed; KP govt forms inquiry committee
Heartbreaking Eyewitness Account
A grieving relative recounted:
“We were having tea when the children went for a selfie by the river—it seemed calm. Suddenly, the water rose… rescuers arrived too late to save them.”
Authorities React
⚠️ Section 144 Violations: Despite bans on river access, tourists continue risky visits.
🔍 Probe Launched: Committee to investigate lapses, propose flood prevention measures within 7 days.
🇵🇰 National Mourning:
- PM Shehbaz Sharif orders urgent search operations
- President Zardari calls it an “irreparable tragedy”
- NDMA alerts issued for rivers nationwide
Broader Weather Crisis
🌧️ Related Incidents:
- Lower Dir: 5 rescued from Panjkora River floods
- Swat: 55 saved from various channels; 10 drowned near Bypass Road
Visual Suggestion: [Map: Flood-affected zones in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]
