SWAT: A horrifying Swat River tragedy claimed the lives of at least nine people from the same family on Friday morning. A total of 18 family members were swept away by a sudden rise in river water. The incident occurred as the family, visiting from Sialkot, was enjoying breakfast on the riverbank.
Rescue 1122 confirmed that three individuals were safely pulled out of the water. The search continues for others. Officials said heavy rainfall upstream triggered the flash flood. The water level surged around 8 am, catching the family by surprise.
“These tourists were sitting near the bypass when the water relay hit. They had no idea about the danger,” a rescue worker said.
So far, five bodies have been recovered. Three people are safe. The remaining family members are still missing. The rescue operation is ongoing under tough conditions.
Deputy Commissioner Swat, Shahzad Mehboob, reminded the public that Section 144 is currently enforced. This law bans bathing in or getting too close to the river. He said tourists often ignore these warnings, risking their lives.
A heartbroken man, who introduced himself as a family member, shared the tragic details. “Ten people from my close family are gone,” he said. “We were having breakfast, and the kids went to take selfies by the river. The water level seemed low at that time.”
He accused the rescue teams of arriving late. “When they reached, some of the children were still fighting for their lives in the water,” he said.
This Swat River tragedy is part of a broader emergency in the region. Heavy rains have led to multiple flood-related disasters in Swat. The Pakistan Army has now joined Rescue 1122 in search and relief missions. Troops with full gear are operating in affected areas.
The nation’s top leadership has responded with sorrow. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the Swat River tragedy. He offered condolences to the grieving families and ordered a rapid search operation for the missing. He also directed the NDMA and local authorities to spread warnings near water bodies across the country.
President Asif Ali Zardari also mourned the loss. “I deeply sympathize with the families of the deceased,” he said. “May Allah grant peace to the departed souls and strength to their loved ones.”
Senator Sherry Rehman called it an “irreparable tragedy.” She offered prayers and support for the families. “I hope more lives can be saved during the rescue efforts,” she added.
The situation in the region is worsening. Just hours before the family was swept away, torrential rain caused flooding in several areas of Lower Dir and Swat. Rivers and canals overflowed, forcing emergency operations.
In Lower Dir, the Panjkora River overflowed, trapping two children and two women. All were rescued. An elderly man also got stuck in a drain but was saved in time. A Rescue 1122 spokesperson confirmed five successful rescues in that district.
In Swat, the flooding became more dangerous. Early reports said 70 people were stranded in various parts of the region. So far, 55 have been rescued. Tragically, ten people drowned near a hotel on Bypass Road. Bodies of three more were found in Angro Dherai Canal. Another body surfaced in Ghalegay. Six more are still missing there.
In Imam Dherai, 22 people were rescued. One person stuck in a water channel in Panjigram was also saved. Thirty others were pulled to safety from Bara Bamakhela Matta.
Despite the pain, rescue teams continue their mission across flood-hit regions. This Swat River tragedy has become a painful reminder of the risks posed by sudden weather changes. As the search goes on, authorities urge strict caution near rivers and streams.
