Heavy monsoon rains triggered severe Swat floods on Thursday, sweeping away at least 18 people and leaving entire communities stranded. Authorities confirmed that eight bodies have been recovered, while search and rescue operations continue in multiple areas across the district.
Rescue Operations in Full Swing
According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rescue 1122, teams are actively working at eight locations along the Swat River. So far, 58 out of 75 trapped individuals have been rescued. Army personnel, police, and over 120 rescue workers are involved in the operation.
Rescue teams saved over 22 people in Imam Dhirai and 30 in Bara Bamakhela. In Manyar, seven people remain stranded, while in Panjigram, one person is still awaiting rescue. Teams from Rescue Stations 33, 44, and 55 are conducting joint efforts.
Read: More Rain Predicted for Karachi, Hyderabad as Monsoon Intensifies
Official Response and Rising Alert Levels
KP Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah confirmed that three people have been rescued, and a committee has been formed to investigate the incident. Meanwhile, Charsadda Deputy Commissioner Qaiser Khan issued a high flood alert, reporting a massive discharge of 77,782 cusecs at Khwazakhela in the Swat River.
Authorities have begun making mosque announcements to warn residents and encourage relocation to safer areas. Rescue units are also stationed along the Kabul and Swat Rivers for immediate response.
Climate Change Warnings
Former climate change minister Sherry Rehman stressed that these floods are not random. In a post on X, she blamed climate stress and heavy monsoons caused by global warming, urging both officials and the public to take early warning systems seriously.
PDMA Urges Urgent Action
The KP Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has directed all districts to identify vulnerable areas and activate evacuation plans. Emergency shelters, medical supplies, and food must be made ready. Farmers and livestock owners have been warned to move away from riverbanks.
The Provincial Emergency Operations Centre remains active round-the-clock, and citizens can seek assistance via helpline 1700.
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