Swat River flash flood claims seven lives; massive rescue underway for missing family members
A flash flood in the Swat River claimed the lives of at least seven individuals on Friday morning, with several others — all from the same family — still missing after the river’s water level surged unexpectedly. The incident occurred near Bypass Road in Swat, where 18 family members from Sialkot had gathered for a morning picnic.
According to official reports, the group was seated on the riverbank enjoying breakfast when the water level rose dramatically due to heavy overnight rainfall in the surrounding hills. A total of three individuals were rescued alive, while rescue divers continue searching for the others under difficult weather and terrain conditions.
“The water relay came suddenly and caught the family off guard,” said a rescue official. “They were unaware of the danger and had no time to react.” Rescue teams were mobilized immediately upon receiving the alert around 8 a.m.
A relative at the scene told reporters that many of the missing were children, adding that rescue teams did not arrive in time to assist those who were visibly struggling in the water.
In light of the tragedy, Deputy Commissioner Swat Shahzad Mehboob reminded the public that Section 144 is currently in effect, which prohibits access to the riverbank. He expressed concern that repeated violations of safety guidelines are putting lives at risk.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a statement expressing sorrow over the incident and directed authorities to intensify the search. He also instructed the NDMA and local administrations to heighten alerts and enforce safety protocols near rivers and canals during the ongoing weather instability.
President Asif Ali Zardari offered condolences, praying for peace for the deceased and strength for the grieving families. Senator Sherry Rehman echoed these sentiments, calling the flood-related deaths an “irreparable tragedy.”
The incident is part of a broader weather emergency in the region. Torrential rains across Swat and Lower Dir have triggered multiple floods, trapping residents and damaging infrastructure. In Lower Dir, rescue services have pulled five people — including two women and two children — to safety after the Panjkora River overflowed.
In Swat, a combination of army personnel and Rescue 1122 teams have rescued 55 out of at least 70 stranded individuals. Tragically, additional casualties were reported: ten people drowned near a hotel at Bypass Road, three bodies were found in Angro Dherai Canal, and one in Ghalegay. Search efforts are ongoing for six others still missing.
As the monsoon intensifies, officials continue to urge the public to follow advisories and avoid low-lying areas.