At least 10 people lost their lives and several others remain missing after flash floods, triggered by heavy monsoon rains, struck the Swat River and nearby streams. According to rescue officials and eyewitnesses, a sudden surge in water levels caught dozens off guard, particularly tourists gathered along the riverbanks.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) described the flood situation as “very high alert.” Among the worst-hit incidents was the sweeping away of 19 tourists—mostly women and children—who were enjoying the view near the bypass road. Only three people were rescued alive, while 10 bodies were recovered later. The victims belonged to families from Sialkot and Mardan.
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Rescue operations were launched by Rescue 1122 in collaboration with local authorities. The deceased were transported to Saidu Teaching Hospital, and the area was immediately placed under a state of emergency. Officials urged the public to stay away from rivers and flood-prone areas as rescue teams continued search efforts.
In response, the provincial government activated a special flood cell and issued warnings to downstream districts like Peshawar, Charsadda, and Nowshera. With 18 individuals still reported missing and dozens stranded, efforts to relocate people from danger zones in Mam Dherai and Ghaligay are ongoing.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended condolences to the affected families and directed NDMA to intensify relief measures. Meanwhile, the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre warned of more heavy rains and potential urban flooding across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh in the coming days.
