In a heartbreaking incident on Friday, at least nine members of an extended family lost their lives after a flash flood swept them away in the Swat River in northern Pakistan. The family was enjoying a picnic breakfast by the riverside when the tragedy happened.
According to local officials, the children were playing in the water and taking pictures when a sudden and powerful flood hit the area. Seeing the children being pulled away by the strong current, the adults jumped in to rescue them, but many could not survive the force of the water.
District administrator Shehzad Mahboob said that so far, nine bodies have been recovered. Four more family members are still missing, while four others were rescued. The family had come to visit the beautiful and popular Swat Valley, known for its scenic mountains and rivers.
More than 80 rescue workers, along with local volunteers, joined the search for the missing people. One relative of the family said the water level was low at first, but then a strong flood suddenly came and swept the children away. He said the current was so powerful, it looked like a dam had burst.
Locals who witnessed the event said that the victims screamed and cried for help for over two hours before rescue teams arrived. By then, several people had already been taken by the water. The current was so strong that even trained rescuers found it difficult to go into the Swat River.
Due to the delay in response, the provincial government took serious action and suspended several rescue and administration officials for their negligence.
Later, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a flood warning, asking the public to stay away from rivers and to take safety precautions.
Every summer, thousands of tourists from across Pakistan travel to the north to enjoy the cool weather and beautiful landscapes of places like Swat Valley. Unfortunately, this trip ended in a terrible loss for one family due to the Swat flood.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the Swat incident and offered his condolences to the grieving family.