Heavy rains in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa caused the Swat River to flood, sweeping away more than 75 people, including women and children, at seven different locations. Rescue teams have recovered eight bodies and saved over 55 people so far. Search operations continue for more than 20 missing individuals.
Rescue spokesperson Niaz Ahmad Khan said that the recent heavy rain created a dangerous flood situation in the Swat River. Dozens of people were caught in the strong flood currents at various points in the district. The rescue teams are working tirelessly to find those still missing.
At the bypass area, 16 people were swept away by the river. Rescue teams recovered seven bodies and saved three survivors, but six remain unaccounted for. Rescue 1122 is conducting an ongoing search to locate these missing individuals.
One survivor from a family affected at the bypass said that nine members, including two daughters, were swept away by the floodwaters. Most of those caught in the river were women and children. Disturbing footage showed people trapped on a small mound before being carried away by the flood.
Meanwhile, at Imam Dheri, 22 people got trapped in the flood but were safely rescued by authorities. In Ghalegae, seven individuals were caught in the torrent; rescuers have recovered one body and continue searching for the rest. Similar search efforts are underway in Maniar and Panjigram where several people remain missing.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and prayed for the departed souls. He urged officials to speed up rescue efforts and strengthen safety measures near rivers and streams. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also expressed grief and called for strict action to prevent future accidents. He asked the district administration to ensure locals and tourists follow flood warnings and safety protocols issued ahead of the rains.