18 tourists swept away in flash floods in Pakistan, 9 bodies recovered
Islamabad, Hilal Ahmad, June 27, AZERTAC
At least 11 people have lost their lives due to flash flooding in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. According to rescue officials, flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall in the Swat Valley claimed many lives, with several people still missing.
Initial reports indicate that dozens of people were trapped at various locations. Credible sources reported that 70 people were stranded at seven different sites in the Swat Valley due to the flash floods. Rescue workers retrieved nine bodies from the Swat River after 18 members of the same family were swept away by a sudden surge in the river's water level. The ill-fated family had been on a leisure trip to the area when heavy upstream rains caused unexpected flooding.
The tourists, including women and children, were swept away by the flash floods in the Swat River. Rescue teams have so far recovered nine bodies, including those of two children. The tragic incident occurred in the Fizagat area, where tourists from two families were having breakfast near the riverbank when a sudden surge in water flow swept several of them away.
The search for the remaining missing family members continues amid flooding and challenging weather conditions. The ongoing heavy rainfall has caused further swelling of the Swat River, prompting local authorities to issue a high alert.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of the tourists. Both leaders conveyed their sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families.
President Zardari stated, "We share the grief of the affected families during this difficult time." Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the relevant authorities to swiftly complete the search and rescue operations. He also instructed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and local administrations to issue precautionary measures near rivers and streams amid extreme weather conditions across the country.
Meanwhile, rescue teams have recovered nine of the 18 tourists swept away by the powerful flash flood in the Swat River. Local residents confirmed that the victims were tourists visiting the Swat Valley who were caught in the sudden surge.
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