A tragic day unfolded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday when a powerful surge in the Swat River swept away a group of 18 tourists, claiming at least nine lives and leaving six still unaccounted for. Among the victims were ten members of a single family who had gathered by the river for a picnic.

Rescue teams managed to pull three individuals to safety, but challenging conditions and fast-moving water continue to hamper the operation. Over 80 personnel from various emergency services have been deployed to the site in an urgent effort to recover the missing.

Urgent Search Operation Underway

Swat Assistant Commissioner Nida Iqbal confirmed that the incident occurred despite prior warnings. The district administration had recently banned swimming and approaching the riverbanks due to rising water levels. “Unfortunately, our warnings went unheeded,” she said, adding that rescue efforts will continue until all missing individuals are found.

So far, nine bodies have been recovered, and survivors have been sent back to their hometowns. The deceased hailed from cities including Sialkot and Mardan. Families have been left devastated, including Adnan, a tourist from Daska, who recounted the horror: “We were having breakfast by the riverside when suddenly the water surged. Four women and six children from my family were swept away, along with three others.”

Government Response

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and directed rescue agencies to expedite efforts in locating the missing. He also instructed local administrations to bolster safety protocols along rivers and streams to prevent similar tragedies.

In light of the incident, Section 144 has been enforced in Swat, officially banning people from bathing or approaching the riverbanks. Despite this, enforcement remains a challenge as tourists continue to disregard warnings.

Flood Warnings Issued Nationwide

Just a day before the tragedy, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had issued high-alert warnings due to the onset of monsoon rains. Areas like Swat, Chitral, Shangla, and Kohistan were flagged as high-risk zones for flash floods and landslides between June 26 and 28.

The NDMA urged provincial and district disaster management authorities to stay on high alert, deploy emergency services, and advise the public against unnecessary travel near rivers and slopes. Citizens are encouraged to download the “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” app for real-time updates and safety information.

Torrential Rains Wreak Havoc

Heavy rainfall also triggered flooding across Lower Dir and surrounding areas. The Panjkora River swelled to dangerous levels, stranding several people. Fortunately, five individuals—including two women, two children, and an elderly man—were rescued from life-threatening situations, according to local emergency officials.

As climate patterns intensify across the region, natural disasters like flash floods are becoming increasingly common, raising urgent questions about infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and public compliance with safety warnings.

For now, the people of Swat mourn a preventable tragedy—one that underscores the deadly consequences of ignoring nature’s warning signs.