At least nine people lost their lives after 17 individuals were swept away by a sudden surge in the Swat River on Friday morning, sparking grief and condolences from the country’s top leadership.
Swat Deputy Commissioner Shehzad Mehboob confirmed in a statement that rescue teams have so far recovered nine bodies and saved four people alive, while the search continues for the remaining four missing individuals. Providing details, he said that 10 of those involved were from Sialkot, six hailed from Mardan, and one was a local resident of Swat.
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A wave of mourning gripped Sialkot on Saturday morning as the bodies of seven victims arrived in the city, accompanied by 11 survivors. Heart-wrenching scenes unfolded in Daska as grieving families received the remains of their loved ones. The bodies of three of the deceased were taken to Daska Kalan, three to Lalarian, and two to Mohallah Mohammadpura.
According to rescue officials, the group from Sialkot was on a leisure trip and was having breakfast by the riverbank at around 8am when heavy rainfall upstream triggered an unexpected rise in water levels.
“We were informed about the drowning incident around 8am. The victims were guests sitting by the river and were unaware of the sudden water surge,” a rescue official said.
While four people were successfully rescued and five bodies retrieved, the search continues for the remaining missing family members amid difficult conditions. Speaking to Geo News, DC Mehboob noted that Section 144, which prohibits bathing in or approaching the river, remains in effect. He expressed concern that tourists continue to ignore these restrictions, putting themselves in danger.
Read more: Flash floods in Swat: Several feared dead as torrents sweep away family
A devastated tourist, identifying himself as a family member, described the tragic moments. He said 10 of his close family members were swept away, with the body of one woman recovered so far while the search for nine children continues.
“We were having breakfast and tea when the children went near the river to take a selfie. The water level seemed low at the time,” he said, adding that rescue teams arrived late and were unable to save the children who were struggling in the water.
The series of flood-related incidents in Swat has led to the deployment of the Pakistan Army to support rescue and relief operations. Troops equipped with essential gear are working alongside Rescue 1122 teams.
Meanwhile, the KP government has set up an inquiry committee to investigate the causes of the tragedy. Headed by the chairman of the provincial inspection team, the panel includes the Inspector General of Prisons and the Director of Administration of the Excise Department. The committee has been tasked with determining the causes of the incident, identifying any lapses, and recommending measures to prevent future tragedies. A report is expected within seven days.
Leaders convey condolences
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and directed an immediate search operation for the missing. He also instructed the NDMA and local authorities to issue fresh advisories regarding safety near rivers and streams during the ongoing extreme weather conditions.
President Asif Ali Zardari also conveyed his condolences, saying, “I share the sorrow of the affected families in this time of grief. May Allah grant the deceased a place in His mercy and give patience to the bereaved.”
Senator Sherry Rehman described the tragedy as “irreparable” and extended heartfelt sympathies, hoping more lives could be saved through ongoing rescue efforts.
Here’s how social media users reacted
JUST IN:
15 members of a family hailing from Sialkot, Punjab were swept away in the Swat River due to flood in Mingora, Swat. #mingora#swat #pakistan #flood pic.twitter.com/fN5W3ni576— 𝕊𝕡𝕖𝕒𝕜 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕌𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕙🇵🇰🇸🇦🇮🇷🇹🇷🇧🇩 (@HistoryHanker) June 27, 2025
Those capable of shooting down a Rafale don’t have the ability to rescue tourists trapped in three to four feet of water! This is so heartbreaking 💔#SwatRiver #Swatflood pic.twitter.com/0oOpdOHGdn
— Wahab khanzada (@vaahab) June 27, 2025
⚡🇵🇰 #swatflood
The helicopters of this country can come to dry cricket ground after rain, but they cannot come to save people lives when their country citizens in danger. pic.twitter.com/JUn44jtAUU
— Waqas Rahim (@rahimwaqas284) June 27, 2025
The unsung hero .
Meet Hilal Khan, a hero from Swat who saves lives without seeking recognition. He retrieves bodies from the Swat River and rescues people during floods, all without pay or fame. His selfless work inspires others to value humanity. pic.twitter.com/PMidnMxCeF
— اسامہ داؤد ستی (@leperfecteur) June 27, 2025
Another tragedy inSwat.Lives lost, homes destroyed and our leaders respond with silence and photo ops. When will accountability begin?This isn’t fate,it’s failure.Swat floods weren’t just a natural disaster they were a brutal reminder ofhow unprepared and careless our system is. pic.twitter.com/u3MMkYyVZ9
— Aliba Siddiqui (@itx_Aliba) June 28, 2025
Fifteen members of a family were trapped in a flood for hours in the Swat River, screaming and crying for help. The NDMA and KP government failed to respond, as did those who did mujra on Rafales for weeks. Tragically, these innocent people drowned. 💔 This is a massacre. 💔 pic.twitter.com/Qpnf5e2Xcv
— Saifullah Khan 🇸🇦 (@Saif_speaks88) June 27, 2025
My people. My beloved people. Drowning in Swat. And I’m cursed to live in Sindh, far from home, far from the ones who share my blood. I see them struggle in floods. I see bodies pulled from rivers. Every drop of rain there drowns someone I love. And here, I do nothing. Nothing. pic.twitter.com/fQOtPY66Ut
— 🕊 (@saimayusufzai) June 27, 2025
Shameful that we live in a country where people are just waiting to die. Neither the provincial nor federal government is doing anything. A tragic spectacle, our people are dying in broad daylight.#swatflood #SwatRiver #SwatTragedy pic.twitter.com/EKZ7M9aIwZ
— Ziyad Ali Shah (@iamziyadalishah) June 27, 2025