Photo:AP
In northern Pakistan’s Swat Valley, a tragedy struck on Friday morning when sudden flash floods swept through the Swat River, causing chaos at a popular riverside spot. These floods were triggered by heavy, unexpected rain in the hills nearby, turning a calm riverbank into a swift and dangerous torrent.
A group of tourists—including whole families—were enjoying a picnic breakfast and taking selfies on a dry riverbed when the floodwaters rushed in.
In all, 18 people from at least two families were washed into the river.
So far, rescuers have recovered seven to nine bodies, including children, and rescued more than seven survivors. Many others remain missing.
The victims included children who were playing near the water and their adult relatives who tried to help them, but were pulled in by the fast current.
Most belonged to the same extended family, with 16 members caught in the flood.
Nearly 100 rescuers, including trained divers and volunteers, worked to save trapped tourists and recover victims along several areas of the river.
Heartbreaking videos circulated online showing tourists stuck on small rocks in the rising waters, waving for help before they were swept away.
Officials had issued flood warnings earlier, but the sudden rain made the river swell within moments.
Pakistan regularly faces dangerous weather during pre‑monsoon and monsoon seasons, and this flood comes as the early rains begin—though this year’s forecast suggests less intensity than the major 2022 floods.
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