Swat, Pakistan – June 27, 2025: A devastating incident occurred in Pakistan’s picturesque Swat Valley on Thursday morning when 18 members of a single family, visiting from the eastern city of Sialkot, were swept away by a sudden surge in the Swat River. The family was reportedly having breakfast by the riverside when the flash flood struck.
According to rescue officials, the family had set up a picnic near the riverbank, unaware of the danger posed by the rising water levels due to upstream rainfall. The flash flood occurred rapidly, giving them little time to react. The incident was reported around 8:00 a.m. local time, prompting immediate response from local rescue teams.
Three individuals were rescued alive, while seven bodies have so far been recovered. The search continues for the remaining missing persons.
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“A rescue operation began as soon as the alert was received,” said a spokesperson from the local emergency services. “The guests were seated near the bypass when the water level suddenly rose due to heavy rainfall. Unfortunately, they were caught unaware.”
Swat’s Deputy Commissioner told local news channel Geo News that Section 144 an emergency provision prohibiting public access to hazardous areas like riverbanks had been imposed in the region. However, enforcement remains a challenge, especially during tourist seasons when thousands flock to the scenic valley.
One surviving tourist told reporters that 10 members of his family were swept away, including nine children. “We had just finished breakfast and were having tea,” he said. “The children went near the river to take selfies. There wasn’t much water initially, but suddenly a huge wave came and they got trapped.”
The tourist also criticized the delayed response from rescue teams, claiming they arrived nearly two hours after being alerted. “The children were drowning in front of them. They saw it happen but couldn’t save them,” he said, visibly distraught.
Swat, located in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, is a popular destination for domestic tourism due to its lush landscapes and flowing rivers. However, frequent incidents of flash flooding—exacerbated by climate change and deforestation—pose increasing dangers to visitors and locals alike.
Authorities have renewed calls for strict adherence to safety guidelines and urged tourists to avoid riverbanks, especially during the monsoon season.
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