At least 11 people have died in a devastating flash flood in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province following heavy rainfall. ARY News reported this on Saturday (June 28), citing local officials.
The flash flood occurred on Friday (June 27) morning local time. Witnesses stated that children were in the Swat River taking pictures when a sudden, strong current surged from upstream, sweeping away 18 individuals.
A rescue operation was launched to find them. According to reports, by Saturday afternoon, the bodies of 11 people had been recovered from the river, and four others were rescued alive. The remaining individuals are still missing.
A team of 80 people is conducting a search operation for the missing. The Mayor of Swat stated that despite prior warnings, a group of tourists from Punjab and Sialkot ignored the prohibition and went to the riverbank.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow over the incident. Meanwhile, following the flash flood, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has banned sand and gravel extraction in the Swat River.
Heavy rainfall has been affecting various parts of Pakistan since the beginning of this week, leading to flood-like situations in some areas. This has resulted in highway closures and damage to homes.
According to weather forecasts, the monsoon season in Pakistan will begin from July to September. However, significant rainfall has already started this week and is expected to continue in the coming days.
Authorities reported that at least 12 people have died and 39 others have been injured in various rain-related incidents in Punjab. These casualties occurred from Wednesday (June 25) to Friday (June 27).
