Officials said on Saturday that the number of fatalities from the tragic event has now reached ten after the body of another tourist who was washed away by a flash flood in the Swat River was found.
The local government reports that some 70 persons, mostly tourists, were stuck in the river due to unexpected flooding that occurred early Friday morning. 55 people were successfully evacuated by rescue crews, and for the second day in a row, efforts are on to find the other casualties.
Two of the most recent bodies were found close to Barikot, a town downstream from the scene of the event, according to officials. The local government has organized ambulances to transport all recovered dead to their hometowns.
A spokesman for Rescue 1122 stated that local volunteers, rescue officials, and Civil Defense units are working together to carry out the mission.
“At first, it was thought that the people who were trapped were near the bank and could be dragged to safety using ropes,” he said. But when things got out of hand, professional swimmers were called in, and three or four people were saved alive.
A group of Sialkot families who were on an excursion to Swat were enjoying breakfast on the dry bed of the Swat River close to the Swat Bypass when the tragedy occurred.
The guests were carried away when a strong flash flood suddenly swept over the area, flooding the riverbank. 10 members of the same family washed away
Ten members of the same family were reportedly among those washed away. Their bodies have since been identified and recovered, rescue officials added.
The cause of the sudden surge in water levels has been attributed to a combination of heavy rainfall and accelerated glacial melt in the region, phenomena experts say are becoming increasingly common due to climate change.
“This is not an isolated incident. We are witnessing more frequent and intense flash floods in northern areas, particularly during peak summer months,” said a climate specialist from the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
Local authorities have issued advisories urging tourists to avoid venturing close to riverbanks, especially during or after rainfall. Swat’s Deputy Commissioner has also called for hotels and roadside establishments near rivers to be more vigilant and restrict access to dangerous zones.
Ten people from the same family were washed away.
According to reports, ten members of the same family were among those washed away. Rescue personnel stated that their remains had subsequently been located and identified.
Experts claim that increased glacial melt in the area and severe rains have combined to generate the abrupt rise in water levels, a phenomenon that is becoming more frequent as a result of climate change.
“This is not a singular occurrence. Flash floods are becoming increasingly often and severe in the north, especially during the hottest summer months, according to a climate researcher with the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
Tourists are advised by local authorities to stay away from riverbanks, particularly during or after rainy seasons. Additionally, Swat’s Deputy Commissioner has urged hotels and roadside rest stops by rivers to increase their vigilance and limit access to hazardous areas.
Teams from Rescue 1122 say they will keep searching until the final three missing people are located.
