Key points
- Rescue operation is underway
- Five different points along the river are currently being searched: DG Rescue
- 80 personnel from Rescue Department are participating in rescue operation
ISLAMABAD: The Rescue 1122 teams on Friday recovered seven bodies out of a total 18 tourists swept away by a powerful flash flood in the Swat River in Pakistan.
Rescue 1122 spokesperson Bilal Faizi confirmed that seven bodies have been recovered, with three people being rescued.
Local residents reported that the victims were tourists visiting Swat, who got trapped near the bypass area and were carried away by the fast-moving water, APP reported.
A large-scale search operation
Following reports of the incident, Rescue 1122 launched a large-scale search operation in the area. DG Shah Fahad said that five different points along the river were currently being searched.
Around 80 personnel from Rescue 1122 were actively participating in the ongoing efforts, despite the dangerous water flow, APP reported.
Authorities were urging tourists and locals to avoid visiting riverbanks and low-lying areas during the current monsoon conditions, as the risk of sudden flooding remains high.
An official of the Rescue 1122 urged visitors and local residents to exercise extreme caution while travelling to mountainous and riverine areas, especially during the monsoon season.
President, PM condole deaths
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed their deep grief over the death of tourists in the flash flood in the Swat River.
The president and prime minister, in their separately issued statements, conveyed their sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families.
They also prayed to Allah Almighty for peace for the departed souls and strength for the grieved families to bear the loss.
“We equally share the grief of the affected families during this difficult time,” the president said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz directed the authorities concerned to swiftly complete the search and rescue operation for missing persons in the incident.
He instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the administration, and rescue agencies to further strengthen safety measures along rivers and streams.
Monsoon season
A Rescue 1122 official has advised tourists to stay updated on weather forecasts and avoid venturing near rivers or streams during periods of heavy rainfall.
Travelers have also been requested to follow official advisories and cooperate with local authorities to ensure their safety.
“Unnecessary movement near water bodies can be life-threatening during flash flood alerts,” he warned.
Pakistan state-run television, PTV cited Deputy Commissioner Swat as claiming Section 144, prohibiting bathing in and approaching the river, was already in effect, yet tourists often disregard these warnings.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Met Office said that rain-wind/thundershower with isolated heavyfalls is likely in Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Punjab, Sindh and Northeastern/Southern Balochistan.
Earlier, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also issued impact-based alerts due to expected widespread monsoon rainfall and flooding risks across several areas of the country till Saturday.
