Charsadda – June 23, 2025: The death toll from the tragic Swat River flash flood has reached 12 after rescue workers recovered another body from the Khialey area of Charsadda on Sunday, four days after a pickup truck carrying tourists was swept away by the river’s fierce current.
The deceased has been identified as Ali Sher, whose body was found trapped in flood debris. Authorities continue the search operation for two remaining missing passengers as grief grips the affected families and local communities.
Flash Flood Incident Recap
The disaster occurred on June 19, when a vehicle carrying 14 people, including women and children, was swept away near Bahrain, Swat, due to a sudden rise in water levels following intense rainfall in the upper stretches of the valley.
So far:
- 12 bodies have been recovered
- 2 passengers remain missing
- The victims were mostly tourists from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and nearby districts
Rescue 1122, with the support of the Pakistan Army and district administration, has continued the operation across the Swat, Nowshera, and Charsadda river belts.
Official Response and Warnings
Local officials and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) have issued advisories against crossing or driving near riverbanks, particularly during the monsoon and glacier-melting season.
“The current in the Swat River can increase without warning. Citizens must remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel near rivers,” said a Rescue 1122 spokesperson.
Recurring Risk in Swat and Northern Areas
Swat Valley, known for its natural beauty and tourism, is also prone to flash flooding, especially between June and September. Many tourists and residents underestimate the danger posed by narrow mountain roads and rising water levels in river tributaries.
Environmental experts have linked the increased frequency of such incidents to:
- Climate change-induced glacier melt
- Unregulated tourism and unsafe construction near riverbanks
- Lack of early warning systems in remote locations
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