Fazal Khaliq
SWAT: A devastating flood in the Swat River on Friday has claimed the lives of at least 17 individuals, including women and children, while over 75 others remain trapped in various locations along the river. The incident occurred as many tourists were enjoying the scenic beauty of the river, unaware of the impending danger.
Eyewitnesses and locals who attempted to assist in the rescue efforts described the horrific scene. According to Abid Ali Jan and Azizul Haq, two civil society members present at the Bypass area, the tourists, including three families from Sialkot and Mardan, had been seated along the river, having breakfast on a gravel mound. The mound, they noted, was illegally excavated and quickly became surrounded by rising floodwaters. “They could not reach the bank due to large pits and the swift flow of the floodwater,” said the eyewitnesses, adding that the floodwaters tragically swept the stranded tourists away one by one.
Despite the locals’ immediate calls to the district administration and Rescue 1122, the rescue teams arrived far too late, according to the eyewitnesses. “By the time they reached, eight bodies were already brought to the hospital,” said the eyewitnesses.
Rescue operations are still ongoing, with authorities continuing to search for missing individuals. According to an initial report from Rescue 1122, over 17 people are believed to have drowned at Bypass Relax Hotel, and efforts are still underway to recover additional bodies. As of now, eight bodies have been recovered from the area.
Rescue teams have also been working in other affected areas. At Imam Dheri, more than 22 people have been safely evacuated. However, in Ghaligai, one body has been recovered, but seven people remain trapped, and rescue operations are continuing. In Manyar, seven individuals are still trapped, while one person remains stuck in Panjigram.
Meanwhile, in Bara Bama Khela Matta, between 20 and 30 individuals have been successfully rescued. Niaz Khan, a spokesperson for Rescue 1122, confirmed that teams are fully deployed across all affected areas and are working relentlessly to save lives and provide aid.
However, the delay in the response has sparked outrage among the local civil society. Abid Ali Jan, who witnessed the incident, expressed frustration, stating that the tourists trapped at the Bypass area, which is located near Mingora, could have been easily rescued if the teams had arrived earlier. “The rescue teams reached too late, and the lives of those who could have been saved were lost,” he said.
In response to the slow rescue efforts, civil society groups in Swat have called for a protest against the provincial government and district administration. They are demanding an immediate inquiry into the negligence shown by local authorities. The tragic loss of life has highlighted concerns over the timely response of emergency services in the region, with many questioning the preparedness of local authorities to handle such disasters.
The community now seeks accountability and a review of the rescue operations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
