Flash Flood
ZHOB: In Zhob, a family picnic ended in tragedy when a sudden flash flood swept away six members of a family visiting from Multan. According to rescue officials, four women, including three sisters, drowned in the flood, while two others sustained injuries. The family had traveled via Quetta and was caught off guard by the powerful surge of water.
This heartbreaking event echoes a similar tragedy that unfolded recently at the Swat River, where at least 12 people lost their lives when flash floods swept away 18 members of two families during a picnic near the riverbank.
Eyewitnesses from the Swat incident recounted how the victims pleaded for help for over 90 minutes, but rescue teams failed to reach them in time. The victims, hailing from Sialkot, had been enjoying breakfast when the sudden rise in floodwaters overwhelmed them.
In response to mounting public outrage, authorities have taken swift action. Zahidullah, the Tehsil Municipal Officer of Khwazakhela, has been suspended on grounds of negligence related to the Swat tragedy.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has launched a comprehensive crackdown targeting illegal encroachments along the Swat River. All mining contracts in the region have also been canceled as part of efforts to safeguard the area and prevent further disasters.
Authorities have pledged to implement stricter safety protocols to prevent a repeat of such devastating incidents in both Zhob and Swat. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has announced compensation of Rs1 million for each family who lost a loved one in the Swat River flash floods tragedy. This financial aid aims to provide some relief to the bereaved families affected by the calamity.
Following the drowning incident involving tourists in Swat, several government officials have been suspended due to poor performance in rescue operations. In addition, an inquiry committee has been formed under the orders of the KP Chief Minister to investigate the incident thoroughly.
The committee will be headed by the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team chief and is tasked with identifying the lapses that contributed to the tragedy.
These tragic incidents in Zhob and Swat highlight the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and timely response mechanisms, especially in flood-prone areas, to ensure the safety of citizens and prevent future loss of life.
