By: SYED SHAHABUDDIN
A joyful moment turned into a nightmare for tourists visiting the banks of the Swat River. Near the Mingora Bypass, a sudden surge of water swept away 16 tourists. So far, 8 bodies have been recovered, 3 individuals have been rescued alive, while the search continues for the remaining 5.
According to Rescue 1122, the deceased include Rubina, wife of Abdul Salam, their daughters Shermeen and Tazmeen, Ajwa Mohsin and Meeram Mohsin, daughters of Mohsin, and Muhammad Ayaan, son of Shahbaz residents of Daska, Sialkot. Two individuals from Mardan Ishal Nasir daughter of Nasir and Farman Hussain son of Hussain are also among the deceased. Their bodies have been shifted to Saidu Teaching Hospital and later dispatched to their hometowns via ambulances.
The five still missing are: Daniyal, son of Nasir resident of Mardan, Infal and Ishal, daughters of Mohsin, Aima, daughter of Muhammad Shahbaz, and Abdullah, son of Abdul Salam.
According to District Emergency Officer Muhammad Saad Khan, a large-scale search and rescue operation is underway at five different locations with over 150 personnel involved.
One of the grieving family members, Muhammad Shahbaz from Sialkot, emotionally shared: “The area was dry when we crossed. No hotel staff or authorities warned us of any danger.
“If I had known, I would never have let the children go there. I’ve lost one son and one daughter. Our entire family of ten members were caught in the flood.” he said.
He added that rescue personnel initially arrived, tied a rope, and then left returning about an hour later, unprepared and without necessary equipment. He strongly believes that timely and efficient response could have saved lives.
Commissioner Malakand Division Abid Wazir has taken strict notice of the incident and ordered an official inquiry. Accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Swat Shahzad Mahboob during a visit to the site, he stated that if any negligence is found at any level, action will be taken. He confirmed that the sudden rise of water exceeded 72,000 cusecs, leaving tourists with no chance to escape.
Deputy Commissioner Shahzad Mahboob reiterated that Section 144 has been in force since June 2, prohibiting public access near the riverbanks. Warning signs had been installed at various points, and approximately 45 FIRs had been registered for violations.
Rescue 1122 teams remain actively engaged in the search operations, with extended efforts downstream due to the river’s strong current.
Authorities have once again urged tourists to exercise extreme caution, follow safety protocols, and avoid getting close to riverbanks during such conditions.
