19 Swept Away as Swat River Surges After Heavy Rains

10 bodies recovered; 75 people trapped; NDMA warns of more rain ahead

By: Aziz Khatri

SWAT: Flash floods caused by a sudden surge in the Swat River and other streams following heavy monsoon rains on Friday resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people, with many others still missing, according to provincial rescue officials and eyewitnesses.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that the flood level was "very high," as rescue efforts were underway to respond to the aftermath of two days of relentless downpours. The river swelled dramatically, sweeping away 19 tourists— including women and children— who had gathered on a rocky area along the riverbank near the bypass road. Rescuers managed to save only three individuals, while 10 bodies were recovered later in the day.

Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene: the water rose rapidly, surrounding the tourists within moments and leaving them no chance to escape. The victims belonged to two families who had traveled from Sialkot and Mardan to this popular tourist destination.

Rescue 1122, in coordination with the district administration and local police, transported the deceased to Saidu Teaching Hospital. The victims were identified as Umda (18), Muhammad Ayan (7), Rubina (45), Sharmeen (16), Tazmeen (18), Aima (10), and Merab (17)—all from Sialkot. Two other victims, Farman and Eshyal, were from Mardan.

In response to the catastrophe, the district administration declared a state of emergency in the area and urged the public to stay away from the river. Rescue teams were deployed to key locations, with additional diving units dispatched to assist in search and recovery operations. According to officials, dozens of people remained stranded in flood-hit areas. The PDMA classified the situation as being on "very high alert," while several individuals were rescued and relocated to safer areas, including Mam Dherai, Ghaligay, and other parts of Swat. Media reports, citing senior provincial officials, indicated that 18 individuals were still missing. A statement from Chief Secretary Shehab Ali Shah in Peshawar revealed that more than 75 people were trapped at various locations, with 58 having been successfully rescued. To address the ongoing situation, the provincial government, under directives from Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, established a special flood cell. The PDMA also issued alerts to officials in Peshawar, Charsadda, and Nowshera to prepare for the potential impact of floodwaters from Swat. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life. Both leaders offered condolences to the bereaved families and instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to collaborate closely with local agencies to ensure effective safety and relief measures. Meanwhile, the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) of the NDMA issued a new weather advisory, warning of more heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms in many parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Peshawar, Bannu, and Waziristan districts.

The NEOC also forecast widespread monsoon activity across Punjab and Sindh over the next 48 hours, with heavy rain expected in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Tharparkar, Badin, Umerkot, and other districts.