Death toll in Pakistan's Swat flash flood tragedy climbs to 11
Rescue officials say teams working across several locations, including Khwazakhela, Kabal Bypass, and Barikot
Kamran Ali
Correspondent Nukta
Kamran Ali, a seasoned journalist from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, has a decade of experience covering terrorism, human rights, politics, economy, climate change, culture, and sports. With an MS in Media Studies, he has worked across print, radio, TV, and digital media, producing investigative reports and co-hosting shows that highlight critical issues.
People gather along the flooded Swat River where 18 tourists were swept away while taking photos a day earlier.
Rescue 1122
The death toll from the Swat Bypass drowning incident rose to 11 on Saturday, according to Rescue 1122 officials, as search operations remain underway to locate two individuals still missing in the Swat River.
According to Rescue 1122 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa spokesperson Bilal Faizi, teams have recovered the bodies of 11 individuals who were swept away by a flash flood in the Swat River a day earlier.
Nine of the deceased hailed from Sialkot in Punjab, while two were from Mardan.
The search operation remains ongoing for two others still missing.
Earlier, the Director General of Rescue 1122, Shah Fahad, said more than 120 personnel were mobilized for the extensive rescue effort.
"Teams are actively working across several locations, including Khwazakhela, Kabal Bypass, and Barikot, combing different stretches of the river since the incident occurred," he added.
Fahad said operations would continue until all missing individuals are found, adding that divers, boats, and river surveillance drones have been deployed to assist in the search.
Authorities have not publicly identified the victims, and details of how the people made it into the river remain under investigation. Eyewitnesses said the river’s current was unusually strong at the time of the accident.
Local officials have called for improved safety measures near riverbanks and bypass routes, especially during peak summer travel periods when accidents tend to rise.
At least 70 people stranded
Severe flash flooding along Pakistan's Swat River left more than 70 people stranded and claimed at least nine lives a day earlier, according to a report from Rescue 1122 in the northwestern 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.
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