SHANGLA: Rescue teams continued searching on Sunday for three minor girls who were swept away by the strong current of the Indus River near Jhatkol village in Shangla while bathing, officials said.
The girls, aged between 10 and 15, were residents of Jhatkol. Rescue 1122 teams from Shangla and Torghar launched a joint search operation after local residents reported the incident.
According to rescue officials, the girls entered the river to bathe but were carried away by the powerful current before they could reach safety.
Divers and emergency personnel began searching the river soon after receiving the alert. The operation was temporarily suspended late Saturday because of darkness, poor visibility and dangerous conditions in the water.
The search resumed early Sunday morning with additional personnel and equipment, while relatives and local residents gathered along the riverbank awaiting news of the missing children.
Monsoon Rains Make Rescue Operation More Difficult
Officials said recent monsoon rains had raised the water level in the Indus River and significantly increased the speed of the current, making the search operation difficult and dangerous.
Rescue 1122 appealed to the public to avoid bathing, swimming or visiting rivers, streams, dams and other deep water bodies during the monsoon season.
Parents were also urged not to allow children near swollen rivers without close supervision.
Officials warned that strong currents created by monsoon rainfall can sweep away even experienced swimmers within seconds.
Authorities Renew Safety Warning
District authorities and Rescue 1122 have repeatedly advised residents to stay away from rivers and flood channels during periods of heavy rainfall.
Despite the warnings, people continue to visit dangerous water locations for bathing and recreation, leading to recurring drowning incidents across the region.
Officials said more than seven people had died in separate drowning incidents in the Indus River and other water bodies in the area during the previous month. In several cases, rescue teams were required to conduct prolonged operations before recovering the victims.
Residents Demand Barriers and Warning Signs
Residents expressed grief over the latest incident and called on the district administration to strengthen safety measures at hazardous riverbanks.
They demanded warning signs, protective barriers and sustained public-awareness campaigns, particularly in areas frequently visited by children and young people.
As of Sunday, the search operation remained underway. Rescue officials said teams would continue their efforts until all three missing girls were located.
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