SWAT: In a tragic incident in the scenic valley of Swat, 18 members of the same family from Punjab were swept away by the river after a sudden increase in water flow.
Rescue officials said the family was visiting from Sialkot and was having breakfast on the riverbank when heavy rain caused the river to swell rapidly.
The incident was reported around 8am. According to rescue teams, the visitors were sitting near the bypass area and were unaware of the incoming floodwater.
Rescue operations began after the alert was received. So far, three people have been rescued alive and five bodies have been recovered. Search efforts for the remaining people are continuing.
The deputy commissioner of Swat told Geo News that Section 144 had been imposed to prevent people from bathing in or approaching the river, but tourists still go there despite the ban.
A family member said that 10 people from their group were swept away. One woman’s body has been found, while nine children are still missing.
He said they had finished breakfast and were having tea when the children went closer to the river to take photos. At that time, the water level was low, but it suddenly rose and trapped them. He said rescue teams arrived about two hours later and could not save them.