ISLAMABAD (PEN) : At least seven people have lost their lives after a sudden surge in the Swat River swept away 18 members of the same family on Friday morning, officials confirmed. Rescue operations are ongoing to find the missing family members.
The family, originally from Sialkot, was enjoying breakfast by the riverbank around 8 a.m. when heavy rainfall upstream caused an unexpected rise in the river’s water flow, catching them off guard. Rescue 1122 reported that three individuals have been rescued so far, and five bodies recovered, while search efforts continue for the remaining missing persons.
“We received information about the drowning around 8 a.m. These individuals were unaware of the rapid water relay caused by heavy rains upstream,” a rescue official said.
Deputy Commissioner Swat, Shahzad Mehboob, reiterated that Section 144, which prohibits bathing and approaching the river, remains enforced. He expressed concern over tourists ignoring these restrictions, venturing into hazardous areas despite warnings.
A family member recounted the ordeal to Geo News: “We were having breakfast and drinking tea, and the children went to take a selfie near the river. At that time, there was not much water.” He added that rescue teams arrived hours after the incident was reported and were unable to save the struggling children.
The Pakistan Army has been deployed in Swat to assist Rescue 1122 teams in ongoing rescue and relief efforts amid rising floodwaters.
National Leaders Express Condolences
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the tragedy and directed immediate search operations for the missing. He also urged the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and local authorities to enforce precautionary measures near rivers and streams during extreme weather.
President Asif Ali Zardari conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, praying for the departed souls and strength for those affected.
Senator Sherry Rehman described the incident as “an irreparable tragedy” and offered sympathies to the families, hoping for successful rescue efforts.
Flood Impact Extends Beyond Swat
Torrential overnight rains also caused significant flooding in Lower Dir and other Swat districts, swelling rivers and canals. In Lower Dir, the Panjkora River trapped two children and two women, all of whom were later rescued. An elderly person caught in a rainwater drain was also saved.
Authorities confirmed that five people were rescued from flood-affected areas in Lower Dir, while in Swat, at least 70 individuals were reported trapped in various locations. So far, 55 have been rescued from the rapidly rising waters.
