Flash flooding on Pakistan's Swat River kills at least nine, leaves more than 70 stranded

Severe flash flooding along Pakistan's Swat River has left more than 70 people stranded and claimed at least nine lives, according to a report from Rescue 1122 in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province.

Swat Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shehzad Mehboob confirmed that the first drowning incident during the flooding occurred at Mingora Bypass and involved a group of tourists.

"A total of 18 tourists, including 10 from the same family from Mardan in KP and Sialkot in Punjab, had waded into the river to take photos and videos when the water level suddenly rose and they were swept away," the DC said.

He said seven bodies have been recovered so far, and three individuals were rescued.

Rescue operations were underway at other locations, too. However, efforts were being hampered by the river's strong current and high water levels.

Drownings reported across Swat

Bilal Faizi, spokesperson for Rescue 1122, told Nukta that reports of people being stranded or swept away by floodwaters have emerged from at least six different locations across Swat.

"In Imamdherai, 22 individuals trapped by rising waters were safely evacuated. In Ghalegy, seven people were swept away—one body has been recovered so far, and search operations are ongoing," he said.

Rescue 1122 reported that seven people remain stranded in Manyar, with teams continuing efforts to reach them. In Panjigram, one person was reported stranded, while more than 20 individuals were successfully rescued from floodwaters in the Bara Bamakhela area of Matta.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a high-level flood alert for the Swat River after water discharge in the Khwazakhela area surged to a dangerous 77,782 cusecs following heavy rainfall.

'Sheer negligence'

Waqar Ahmed Swati, a local journalist, blamed the administration for the tragic drownings, calling it a case of "sheer negligence."

"These incidents are the result of administrative failure. Despite flood alerts being issued, no preventive measures were visible on the ground," he said.

  People gather along the flooded Swat River where 18 tourists were swept away while taking photos. Seven bodies have been recovered and three people rescued.

"Where were the police, Rescue 1122, and other officials when tourists were venturing into the river?" Swati questioned.

DC Swat has constituted an inquiry committee to investigate the tragedy. "The committee will examine all facts surrounding the case, and if any negligence is established, action will be taken against those responsible", DC added.

Officials suspended

Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has suspended four officials for negligence during the flooding incident in Swat and ordered the CM Gandapur’s inspection team to conduct an inquiry to fix responsibility.

Those suspended include the Assistant Commissioner (AC) Babuzai for a slow response, AC Khwazakhela for failing to issue timely early warnings, and the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Relief) for not taking preemptive measures. The district in-charge of Rescue 1122 has also been suspended.

Rescue efforts intensified

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressed grief over the flash flood deaths and directed authorities to intensify rescue efforts using all available resources to save those still stranded.

He stressed that alerts had been issued in light of ongoing monsoon rains and potential flood risks, urging district administrations to ensure both tourists and local residents strictly comply with warnings.

According to the Chief Minister's Secretariat, a dedicated flood cell has been established to monitor and respond to emergency situations. During emergencies, the public should contact authorities at +92 340 9418852 or helpline 1177 for immediate assistance, the secretariat maintained.

"District administrations in Peshawar, Charsadda, and Nowshera have been instructed to immediately implement precautionary measures to protect lives, property, crops, and livestock from potential flooding," PDMA spokesperson Anwar Shahzad said.

Rescue 1122 has launched a public awareness campaign in Charsadda and Peshawar, using loudspeaker announcements to urge residents to immediately vacate riverside areas amid fears that floodwaters from Swat could surge downstream.

50 arrested for violating Sec 144

Authorities have launched a security crackdown along the Swat River, deploying police, civil defense, and district administration personnel to enforce flood safety measures.

  Officials coordinate flood safety enforcement along the Swat River in Pakistan, where authorities have arrested 50 people for violating Section 144 restrictions and are stopping tourists from approaching the riverbank.KP Police

Malakand Division Commissioner Abid Wazir confirmed that 50 individuals have been arrested for violating restrictions under Section 144.

He added that tourists are being stopped from approaching the riverbank, warning that continued heavy rainfall in the coming week could worsen flood risks and urging the public to avoid riverside areas.