The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has suspended the Deputy Commissioner of Swat for negligence and delays during rescue efforts in the recent deadly flooding in the region. The action follows widespread criticism over the handling of the emergency response.
The provincial government has decided to take strict action against officials who showed carelessness during the flood crisis. Just a day earlier, two Assistant Commissioners, one Additional Deputy Commissioner, and the district head of Rescue 1122 were also suspended.
Meanwhile, rescue operations by Rescue 1122 teams have continued non-stop for the past 24 hours in Swat and nearby areas. Director General of Rescue 1122 Shah Fahad confirmed that 10 bodies have been recovered from the Swat River, while the search for three missing individuals is still ongoing.
Fahad stated that rescue activities are active in areas including Khwazakhela, Kabal Bypass, and Barikot. More than 120 personnel are currently involved in these operations, with teams from Swat, Malakand, and Shangla working together to locate those still missing.
The floods were triggered by heavy rainfall that caused the Swat River to overflow, sweeping away over 75 people at seven different points across the district. Rescue teams managed to save more than 55 individuals, but many families continue to mourn the tragic loss of their loved ones.
This disaster has raised serious questions about the state’s preparedness for natural calamities. The government’s recent actions suggest a shift toward greater accountability, as it aims to prevent such negligence in future emergencies.