Tourists Ignored Warning and Entered Swat River: Official Report
A preliminary report submitted by the commissioner of Malakand Division details how tourists disregarded warnings and entered the flooded Swat River, resulting in a tragic incident. Despite alerts and flood risks, the tourists ventured into the river, leading to a rescue operation and unfortunate casualties.
The commissioner of Malakand Division submitted a preliminary report on the drowning incident of tourists in the flooded Swat River on June 27 to the Provincial Inspection Team. The report mentioned that due to heavy rainfall, the water level in the Swat River at Khwaza Khela rose to 7,827 cusecs that day.
Seventeen tourists, including 10 from Punjab's Sialkot district, six from KP's Mardan district, and one local resident, were stranded in the flash floods. A construction activity in the river diverted the water flow, resulting in a lower water level at the site where the tragedy occurred, allowing tourists to access the area.
The report revealed that the tourists entered the river against advice, with the water level rising shortly after. Rescue efforts were initiated, and relevant departments were put on alert due to flood risks. The 2025 Flood Control Plan had been prepared in May, and weather alerts had been received by authorities.
Emergency duties were assigned to officers, and a crackdown on riverside encroachments was planned before the incident. Section 144 was imposed in the Malakand Division, prohibiting swimming and boating in the Swat River.
Out of the 17 stranded tourists, four were rescued, 12 bodies were recovered, and the search for one person continued. A total of 75 people drowned in various areas of Swat. Following the tragedy, government officials were suspended, and river mining activities in the district were banned.
According to the source: Dawn.
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