The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced financial compensation of Rs1 million each for the families of the 11 people who lost their lives in Friday’s devastating flash flood in the Swat River. The announcement comes as authorities face mounting criticism over a lack of preparedness that may have contributed to the tragedy.
According to the spokesperson for the KP Chief Minister, 17 tourists were swept away when a sudden surge of water engulfed a dry riverbed where they had gathered to take photos. Eleven bodies have been recovered, three individuals were rescued, and three remain missing. The victims included 11 from Punjab, six from Mardan, and one local resident from Swat.
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In response to the tragedy, several government officials have been suspended for negligence. These include the Assistant Commissioners of Babuzai and Khwazakhela, the ADC Relief, and the district in-charge of Rescue 1122. The suspensions follow direct orders from Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who also established an inquiry committee to investigate the incident.
The committee, led by the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team, has been tasked with identifying the causes of the flood tragedy and determining the officials responsible for failing to issue timely warnings or take preventive measures.
Eyewitnesses said the tourists had no time to react as the water surged unexpectedly. Despite desperate efforts by locals to rescue the victims, the powerful current overwhelmed them, highlighting the urgent need for better disaster preparedness in the region.
