SWAT, June 27, 2025. In a heart-wrenching disaster that unfolded Friday morning, at least 18 tourists, including women and children, were swept away by sudden flash floods in the Swat River near Fizagat, a popular tourist area in Swat.
The victims, who had been enjoying a riverside breakfast during their leisure trip, were caught completely off guard when an unexpected surge of water swept through the riverbank around 8 a.m. so suddenly that they had no time to react. According to Rescue 1122 and Deputy Commissioner Shahzad Mehboob, 9 bodies have been recovered so far, including two children, and four individuals were rescued alive. Search operations are underway for the remaining five missing persons.
“We Watched, and No One Came”
Witnesses have criticized local authorities for their inaction, saying the victims remained stranded in the water for nearly two hours, visible and calling out for help before being swept away. Despite repeated emergency calls and public cries, the lack of a timely rescue response has drawn widespread condemnation.
A family member of one victim told the media:
“We were having breakfast. The river looked calm. The children went to take selfies. Minutes later, the water surged… and they were gone.”
Why was the Rescue Delayed?
The delay in rescue operations has triggered public outrage, raising urgent questions about disaster preparedness in Swat:
- Lack of immediate response: Despite early warnings from upstream flooding and weather forecasts, no rescue or enforcement officials were present at the scene until after the victims had been swept away.
- Inaccessible terrain and weak coordination: Officials cited the high speed of the water flow and lack of proper equipment as reasons for the late response. However, locals claim it took rescue officials hours to reach despite the area being a known tourist spot.
- Helicopter support arrived late: The Pakistan Army was later deployed, and helicopters participated in rescue and relief efforts, but only after lives had already been lost. Weather conditions were cited as a key factor for the delay in airlifting stranded individuals.
Violations of Safety Protocols
DC Swat confirmed that Section 144, which prohibits public access to dangerous riverbanks, was already in place. However, enforcement appeared to be nonexistent. Despite prior warnings issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), tourists were allowed to set up near the river without any on-site supervision or alerts.
Government Response & Inquiry
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has formed a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the incident. The panel has been instructed to identify any negligence or institutional failures and propose preventive measures. A report is expected within seven days.
At the federal level, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. PM Sharif directed the NDMA and local administrations to issue stronger precautions amid worsening monsoon conditions.
Rainfall, Climate Change & Future Threats
The floods were triggered by intense monsoon rains and glacial melt, both becoming increasingly unpredictable due to climate change. According to the World Meteorological Organization, Asia is warming at twice the global average, with Pakistan listed among the most vulnerable countries.
Environmental journalist Arif Ahmad, based in Swat, noted that the district is witnessing accelerated glacial melting and frequent Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). Hotels and homes in areas like Mingora, Kalam, and Bahrain remain under constant threat.
Warning to Tourists
The PDMA has re-issued flood warnings and instructed all district administrations to remain on high alert. Tourists are strongly advised to avoid riverbanks, heed official guidance, and refrain from travel to risky regions.
This tragedy underscores the deadly consequences of unpreparedness in the face of extreme weather events. While nature’s fury was undoubtedly fierce, the lack of proactive enforcement, delayed rescue response, and limited aerial access played a key role in the magnitude of this disaster.
As Pakistan enters the second phase of the 2025 monsoon season, urgent improvements in early warning systems, on-ground enforcement, and real-time rescue capabilities are essential to prevent more loss of life.
