SWAT: Rescue teams have recovered 10 bodies following a tragic flash flood in the Swat River, while the search continues for three missing individuals, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The incident occurred early Friday near the Swat Bypass, when a group of tourists — mostly from Sialkot — were having breakfast on the dry riverbed. A sudden and powerful surge of water, triggered by upstream flooding, swept through the area, catching dozens off guard.
According to the district administration, around 70 people were initially trapped by the floodwaters. Rescue 1122, in coordination with Civil Defence teams and local volunteers, managed to safely evacuate 55 individuals. Efforts to locate the remaining three are ongoing for the second consecutive day.
Two More Bodies Found Near Barikot
Officials said that two of the most recently recovered bodies were found near Barikot, a town downstream from the incident site. All recovered victims have been identified and transported to their hometowns via ambulances arranged by the local administration.
A Rescue 1122 spokesperson said initial assumptions underestimated the danger, as many believed those trapped were near the riverbank and could be pulled to safety.
“Once the water levels rose rapidly, trained swimmers had to be deployed. Thankfully, we were able to rescue several individuals alive,” the spokesperson said.
One Family Devastated
Rescue officials confirmed that 10 members of the same family were among those swept away by the flood. Their bodies have all been recovered and handed over to relatives.
The sudden flood was attributed to a combination of heavy rainfall and accelerated glacial melt, a growing concern in the region. Climate experts warn that such flash floods are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.
“This is not an isolated case. We’re seeing an alarming increase in flash flood events across northern Pakistan during the summer months,” said a meteorologist from the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
Safety Advisories Issued
In response to the tragedy, local authorities have urged tourists to stay away from riverbanks, especially during and after rainfall. Swat’s Deputy Commissioner has also directed local hotels and roadside vendors near rivers to monitor conditions closely and restrict access to vulnerable areas.
Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 has pledged to continue its operation until all missing persons are accounted for.
“We won’t call off the search until the remaining three individuals are found,” said a rescue official.
The tragedy has cast a pall over the region’s tourism season, prompting calls for improved disaster preparedness and stricter safety protocols in high-risk areas.
