Swat Flood: At Least 18 Missing, 8 Dead After Flash Floods Sweep Region
The Swat flood triggered by heavy rainfall has left at least 18 people missing after powerful flash floods swept through the region, officials reported. So far, eight bodies have been recovered, and search efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining victims.
According to an initial report from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rescue 1122, the floods inundated multiple areas, leaving dozens stranded at various locations.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah confirmed that out of the 18 missing persons, three have been rescued, while eight have been confirmed dead. The provincial government immediately launched rescue operations, which are currently active at eight different sites in Swat.
The report further noted that 75 individuals were trapped along the Swat River bypass road, with 58 already rescued by emergency teams.
A government committee has been formed to investigate the incident and oversee further response efforts.
According to the initial report by KP Rescue 1122, flash floods in Swat triggered by heavy rainfall have led to widespread devastation, with multiple casualties and dozens still stranded in affected areas.
Three bodies have been recovered from Ingaroderai, and one from Ghalegy, where seven individuals are still trapped. In the region, rescue operations are ongoing. At least 120 Rescue 1122 personnel have been deployed across the district. More than 22 people trapped in Imam Dhirai were safely rescued by a team from Rescue Station 33, while Station 44 continues search efforts nearby.
According to the initial report by KP Rescue 1122, seven more people are stranded in Manyar, with joint rescue teams from Stations 44 and 55 working to reach them. In Panjigram village, one person remains trapped, while 20 to 30 individuals have already been rescued from Bara Bamakhela.
“All Rescue 1122 teams are on site and rescue operations are in full swing,” the report stated.
A flood alert has also been issued in Charsadda by Deputy Commissioner Qaiser Khan, who has directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert. According to the DC’s office, the Swat River water discharge at Khwazakhela has increased to 77,782 cusecs, making it a very high flood. DC Khan told Dawn.com that rescue teams have been stationed along the River Kabul and River Swat. Public announcements were made through mosque loudspeakers, urging residents to evacuate to safer areas.
“We are closely monitoring the Munda headworks; as of 3 PM, the flow remains normal,” he added.
Climate Stress Behind Swat Floods, Not Just a Natural Disaster: Sherry Rehman
Meanwhile, former climate change minister and PPP Senator Sherry Rehman has said that the ongoing “sleepwalk” on climate stress is contributing to devastating incidents like the recent Swat floods.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Rehman stated, “The tragic drowning of several people in the River Swat is NOT the result of a random ‘natural disaster’.” She emphasized that the increasing frequency and intensity of such events are a direct consequence of climate change.
“We need to understand that this and other disasters are the deadly impact of super heavy monsoons in Swat, all triggered by climate stress — and it is not just one area,” she added.
Meanwhile, former climate change minister and PPP Senator Sherry Rehman has said that although the district and provincial administrations were alerted in advance, early warning systems are often ignored by the public in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
She warned that Pakistan must recognize the role of global warming in such events. “So please stop calling it a natural disaster or a random flash flood that is disconnected from human actions or responsibility,” she urged.
Swat Flood: KP PDMA Issues Flood Alert, Urges Precautionary Measures Across Affected Districts
In response to the ongoing Swat flood, KP PDMA issues flood alert, urging immediate precautionary measures as water discharge at Khwazakhela in the Swat River surged to 77,782 cusecs—classified as a *very high flood* level. The alert follows continuous heavy rainfall affecting the region.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has formally alerted the Deputy Commissioners of Peshawar, Charsadda, and Nowshera, advising them to implement urgent safety protocols to prevent loss of life, and damage to infrastructure, crops, and livestock.
Swat flood KP PDMA issues a flood alert and has instructed local administrations to identify vulnerable points and populations at risk, stressing the significance of prompt evacuation, efficient mitigation efforts, and ongoing monitoring. Emergency response teams, including Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, and other relief agencies, have been placed on high alert—especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Authorities are working to sensitise riverside communities, particularly those along the Kabul River and its tributaries, to the risks of rising water levels.
Farmers and livestock owners have been advised to relocate animals from riverbanks, while the general public is urged to avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable zones. Designated shelters are being prepared to ensure the availability of food, medical supplies, and basic facilities.
PDMA has also directed departments to prepare for road clearance in case of flooding or landslides and to pre-position emergency equipment at critical points.
The Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) remains operational 24/7 and can be contacted via helpline 1700 for updates or assistance.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available through verified sources.
