By Junaid Toru
According to the report, at around 8:30 AM on Friday, 18 individuals were caught in a sudden flash flood near Ji Qurban Hotel on Swat Bypass. Upon receiving the alert, a prompt rescue operation was launched. Three individuals were safely rescued, while the bodies of six others were recovered during a joint operation carried out by Rescue 1122, the district administration, and local volunteers. Nine people remain missing, and search efforts are ongoing up to the boundaries of Malakand district.
The victims belong to Daska (Punjab) and Mardan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa). Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and announced compensation for the deceased individuals from Punjab as well. He has also called for a detailed report on the damages and instructed the Chairman of the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team to initiate an inquiry into the incident.
The report further notes that over ten individuals were confirmed drowned near Relax Hotel on Swat Bypass, with rescue teams on site continuing the search operation. Three more bodies were recovered from Angro Dheri, and at Imam Dheri, 22 people trapped in the floodwaters were successfully rescued. In Ghalegay, seven individuals were stranded one body has been recovered, and search efforts for the remaining are underway. Similarly, reports indicate that seven individuals were trapped in Maniyar, where rescue operations are ongoing. In Panjigram, one person remains stuck in floodwaters, and efforts to rescue him are in progress. Meanwhile, 20 to 30 people trapped in a flash flood in Bara Bama Khel, Matta, have been successfully rescued.
Overall, the report states that a total of 75 individuals were stranded at various points along the Swat River near the bypass road. Timely rescue efforts saved 58 people, while eight bodies were recovered. As of the time of the report’s release, 10 individuals are still missing. Rescue operations are ongoing at eight different locations across Swat, with 105 personnel involved. The high intensity of the floodwaters is posing significant challenges to the rescue teams.
To prevent further incidents, all hotels, restaurants, and commercial activities near the Swat River have been closed. The provincial government emphasized that, due to monsoon rains, a Section 144 ban on recreational activities in rivers remains in effect throughout the province. The local administration has launched extensive awareness campaigns via various media platforms, urging tourists and the public to stay away from water channels and adopt precautionary measures.
The provincial government has once again appealed to the public and tourists to avoid entering river areas and to strictly follow the safety guidelines issued by the administration to prevent further tragedies.
