A tragic incident unfolded in Swat on Friday when 15 tourists drowned in the Swat River near the Bypass area following heavy rainfall in the region.
According to media reports, the group of tourists had come to the area for sightseeing and were caught off guard by a sudden surge in the river’s water flow. Eyewitnesses reported that the rising current overwhelmed the group, preventing them from escaping and sweeping them away.
Rescue teams quickly launched an operation after receiving reports of the incident. So far, four bodies have been recovered, and three individuals have been rescued alive.
Authorities confirmed that search efforts are still underway to locate the remaining missing persons. Rescue 1122, along with other emergency services, are actively involved in the ongoing operation.
Dr. Nida Iqbal, Swat’s Assistant Commissioner, stated that Section 144 had already been enforced a week earlier in light of potential flash flood risks. Despite the warning, the unfortunate incident occurred.
Dr. Iqbal further confirmed that seven bodies have been recovered from the river and three were rescued so far.
Swat City Mayor Shahid Ali confirmed that a flood alert had been issued at around 8 a.m. following reports of a sudden surge in the river’s water levels.
According to Mayor Shahid, the tourists—visitors from Punjab—were sitting near the riverbank unaware of the flood warning. “These guests from Punjab didn’t know about the flash flood. We had already issued an alert, but by the time rescue teams and I arrived at the location, the damage had already been done,” he said.
The flash flood tragically led to 15 people drowning. So far, three individuals have been rescued, while the bodies of two victims have been recovered. Search and recovery operations are ongoing at several points along the river.
The district administration, rescue teams, and local volunteers are actively involved in the emergency response. “We are doing everything possible to complete the operation swiftly,” said Mayor Shahid Ali.
Authorities have urged tourists to stay away from riverbanks to avoid any further tragedies.
