KP CM Orders Inquiry into Swat Flash Flood Tragedy as Rescue Efforts Continue
PESHAWAR – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has directed the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team to launch an investigation into the recent flash floods in Swat, which have claimed multiple lives and left several others missing.
The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and announced compensation for the families of the deceased.
⚠️ Officials Suspended Following Incident
In response to the tragedy, the KP government has suspended four officials over alleged negligence. Those suspended under the KP Government Servant (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2011, include:
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Ihsanulul Haq – Additional Deputy Commissioner (Relief & Rehabilitation), Swat
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Dr. Nida Iqbal – Assistant Commissioner, Babuzai
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Amir Khan – Assistant Commissioner, Khwazakhela
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Saad Khan – District Emergency Officer, Rescue 1122 (asked to report to the department)
📊 Current Situation: Death Toll and Missing Persons
According to an official report, 14 people have died while 10 others are still missing following flash floods that struck the region after heavy monsoon rains. The floods were triggered near a hotel on the Swat Bypass early Friday morning, sweeping away locals and tourists.
🚑 Rescue Operations Ongoing Across Swat
Rescue 1122 teams, in collaboration with the district administration and volunteers, quickly launched rescue operations, resulting in:
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3 individuals rescued alive
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6 bodies recovered initially
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22 people rescued in total from rising waters
Additional rescue updates:
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Angro Dheri & Imam Dheri: 3 more bodies recovered
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Ghalegay: 7 trapped, 1 body recovered, search ongoing
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Maniyar: 7 stranded, rescue operations in progress
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Panjigram: Rescue underway for one individual
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Bara Bamakhel (Matta): 20–30 people rescued successfully
In total, 75 people were stranded in various locations, and 58 lives were saved through prompt action.
🌧️ Monsoon Precautions and Public Safety Measures
As rescue efforts continue, authorities have closed hotels, restaurants, and commercial operations near the Swat River to prevent further incidents.
The provincial government has:
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Imposed a province-wide ban on recreational activities in rivers during the monsoon season
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Launched public awareness campaigns across social media urging residents and tourists to stay away from water channels
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Advised strict adherence to safety guidelines issued by the local administration
🛑 Public Advisory
The KP government has renewed its appeal to the public and tourists to avoid riverbanks and follow safety protocols during ongoing weather challenges to prevent further loss of life.
