Flash Flood in Swat Claims 18 Lives, Sparks Inquiry into Official Negligence

Adnan Bacha

Swat: At least 18 tourists were swept away early Thursday morning in a sudden flash flood in the Fizagat Bypass area of Swat, triggering a massive rescue operation and raising serious questions about administrative preparedness.

According to Rescue 1122, the tourists — hailing from Sialkot and Mardan — had stopped by the riverbank around 8:00 AM to have breakfast when the water level of the Swat River abruptly surged. The floodwaters quickly trapped the group in the middle of the river. Before emergency teams could arrive, the powerful current swept all of them away.

Rescue officials confirmed that three people were pulled out alive, while nine bodies have been recovered so far. Search operations are underway to locate the remaining six victims.“Rescue teams are conducting search operations in various areas, including Manyar, Ghaligey, Odigram, and other parts of the district,” a Rescue 1122 spokesperson said. “A total of 57 people have been rescued across Swat so far.”

The sudden floodwaters also impacted other regions of Swat — including Imam Dherai, Matta, and Panjigram — where dozens of people were trapped. Authorities report that nearly 80 individuals were affected by the flood, with search efforts continuing for the missing.

Malakand Division Commissioner Abid Wazir said that a high alert had already been issued in line with Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) guidelines. Section 144 was also enforced in the area to prohibit sitting or bathing near the riverbanks.

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“It is deeply saddening to lose precious lives in such a tragic event,” said Wazir. “Rescue teams, police, local administration, and volunteers are actively involved in ongoing rescue and relief operations.”

Swat, which has witnessed destructive floods in 2010 and 2022, is again bearing the brunt of climate change, with environmentalists warning that such disasters could increase in frequency and intensity.

Environmental expert Muhammad Hafiz criticized the government for its inaction in addressing environmental degradation. “Illegal stone crushing and land grabbing mafias have significantly damaged the river’s natural flow and boundaries. Without urgent government action, the consequences could be catastrophic,” he warned.Provincial Minister Fazal Hakim expressed sorrow over the incident and pledged strict accountability for those found negligent.

“Questions are being raised about the administration’s response time and preparedness. Those responsible for this tragedy will face the strictest punishment,” he said.

In the wake of public outrage, the Chief Minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has taken notice and ordered the suspension of several district officials for their alleged negligence.

According to the CM’s spokesperson, Faraz Ahmed Mughal, the Assistant Commissioner of Babuzai has been suspended for a delayed response to the emergency.

The Assistant Commissioner of Khwazakhela was also suspended for failing to issue a timely warning, while the Additional Deputy Commissioner for Relief was removed for not ensuring adequate preparedness. The District Head of Rescue 1122 has also been relieved of duty.

Authorities have reiterated their appeal to the public to remain cautious and avoid riverbanks as rainfall and flood warnings continue across the region.