The rescue teams recovered eight bodies on Friday after at least 16 people were reported before missing due to sudden floods in Swat River after heavy rains, according to rescue officials.
The sudden floods driven by heavy rains in the Swat district have wrapped several areas, resulting in the loss of lives with reports from stranded dozens, according to an initial report by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rescue 1122.
Rescue spokesman 1122, Bilal FAIZI, confirmed that eight reports of 16 missing people have been recovered, with three rescued people.
According to the initial report of KP Rescue 1122, search and rescue operations were underway for the remaining bodies in several areas.
Three Ingroderai bodies have been recovered. A Ghaalegy body was also recovered, where seven people were stranded and rescue operations are still underway.
The report confirmed that more 10 people have drowned at the Bypass Relats Hotel.
At least 120 1122 rescue personnel have been deployed in rescue operations.
“More than 22 people were trapped in the water in the Imam Dhirai, who was safely rescued by the 33rd Rescue Station team,” the report said, adding that the search operation of Rescue Station 44 was ongoing.
It is also reported that seven people are trapped in Manyar, with rescue stations 44 and 55 working together in rescue activities.
A person was trapped in the village of Panjigram, where a rescue operation was underway.
At least 20 to 30 people have been rescued from Bara Bamakhela, according to the report.
“All 1122 rescue teams are present at the site and rescue operations are in full swing,” the report said.
The attached commissioner of Charsadda, the attached commissioner Qaiser Khan, has issued a flood alert, asking the relevant staff to be on a maximum alert after flooding on SWAT.
A notice from the DC office said that “the download in Khwazakela in River Swat has increased to 77,782 Cusec, categorized as a very high flood.”
Dc khan told him Dawn.com These rescue teams had been deployed on the shore of the Kabul River and the Swat River.
“The ads were made through the mosque speakers to inform the public about the dangers of flood water,” said the DC, adding that officials were instructeding people who move to safer places.
“We are watching Munda’s heads; until 3 pm, the flow was normal.”
The former Minister of Climate Change and Senator of PPP, Sherry Rehman, said that the “blushing” about climate stress was triggering such incidents.
In a publication about X, she wrote: “The tragic drowning of several people on the Swat River is not the result of a random ‘natural disaster.”
“We need to understand that this and other disasters are the deadly impact of super heavy monsors on Swat, all caused by climate stress, and it is not just an area,” he added.
Rehman also said that the district and the provincial administration had alerted, but “early alert systems are being ignored by the general public in KP.”
“Pakistan must understand that such dangers are triggered by global warming and climate change … so stop calling it a natural disaster or a random sudden flood that disconnects from actions or human responsibility.”
KP PDMA issues flood alert, urges caution measures
The Provincial Disaster Authority (PDMA) of KP issued a flood alert after water discharge levels in Khwazakhela in the Swat River increased to 77,782 CUSEC, classifying it as a very high flood situation due to heavy rains in the region.
In an official communication aimed at the attached commissioners of Peshawar, Charsadda and Nowshera, the PDMA advised all interested authorities to take urgent precautionary measures to avoid any loss of life, infrastructure damage, crops and cattle.
PDMA ordered local administrations to immediately identify vulnerable points and communities at risk and establish effective security and mitigation measures. He emphasized the maintenance of a high alert state, with a constant monitoring of the evolving flood situation to guarantee a timely response.
Rescue 1122, Civil Defense and all other emergency services have received instructions to remain on a maximum alert, particularly in low and high risk areas.
The communities that live along the banks of the Kabul River and its tributaries are being sensitized to the expected increase in water levels.
Local authorities have been advised to guarantee the timely evacuation of populations at risk in flood -prone areas in accordance with existing evacuation plans and to guarantee the availability of refuge, food and medical supplies in the designated camps.
Farmers and cattle shepherds are warned to transfer their cattle to safer places on the low banks, while the general public is urged to avoid unnecessary trips or movement of vehicles in vulnerable areas.
The PDMA also ordered the worried departments to remain ready for clearance operations on the road in case of blockages or flooding, and to prepare emergency equipment in critical locations.
The Provincial Emergency Operations Center (PEOC) in PDMA remains active 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can be reached through the 1700 aid line for any assistance or guidance.
