Flash floods claim lives of 32 people in northern Pakistan

At least 32 people have been killed in recent flash flooding in Pakistan due to heavy rains, including a family of tourists who were swept away by flood waters while waiting for rescue.

Videos of the family stranded on a small piece of land as the Swat River swept them away went viral on social media, sparking anger towards the provincial government. Flash floods and heavy rains have claimed 32 lives in the past 36 hours, with 16 children among the victims. Thirteen deaths occurred in Punjab province and 19 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the tourist family tragedy unfolded.

Sheikh Waqas Akram, the central information secretary of Imran Khan’s PTI party, revealed that four senior officials were suspended following the incident. An inquiry has been ordered by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, with a report due in a week.

The family from Punjab was having a picnic breakfast by the river in Swat district when the flash flood struck. Seventeen people were swept away, with nine bodies recovered, one missing, and four rescued. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with the PDMA issuing flood alerts and urging precautions.

Pakistan, highly vulnerable to climate change, has faced severe flash floods before. The incident has reignited discussions on climate crisis, government preparedness, tourist awareness, and alleged corruption in local governance.

Former climate change minister Sherry Rehman criticized the government's response, citing poor signaling and inadequate resources. Social media users also condemned the delayed rescue of the stranded family.

The PDMA, established after the 2005 earthquake, has faced accusations of corruption. The disaster authorities in various provinces have been under scrutiny for their handling of calamities.