Flash Floods Sweep Away Tourists in Swat River, Rescue Operations Underway. Heavy rainfall caused the Swat River to rise rapidly, and now several tourists are missing as officials rush to assist.
- Who: At least four tourists, identities yet to be confirmed
- What: Swept away by sudden flash floods
- Where: Swat River near Bahrain Valley, Swat District
- When: Thursday, June 27, 2025, approx. 3:30 PM
- Why/How: Sudden rise in water due to heavy upstream rainfall
Swat, Pakistan, June 27, 2025
On Thursday afternoon, at least four tourists were carried away by sudden flash floods that rushed through the Swat River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, as confirmed by local officials. This event occurred near the well-known Bahrain Valley, a popular destination for local tourists, when unexpected heavy rain led to a rapid increase in the river’s water levels.
Witnesses reported that a group of tourists, comprising both men and women, were gathered on the riverbank when the water suddenly surged up very quickly. Rescue 1122 and local helpers are now attempting to locate them, but the strong currents are making the search challenging.
“We got the emergency call at about 3:30 PM,” said Fazal Rehman, who speaks for Rescue 1122 Swat. “The first reports indicate that the tourists didn’t realize how strong the river was and got too close to the edge when it started to rain suddenly.”
Local hotel employee Imran Khan shared what he saw:
“People were snapping pictures by the water when out of nowhere, a huge wave appeared. Some people attempted to escape, but a few got swept away in the current before anyone had a chance to respond. It all occurred in the blink of an eye.”
People living nearby have been advised to avoid riverbanks and low-lying areas, as the weather remains unpredictable.
The Swat Valley is a stunning area renowned for its rivers and mountains, drawing numerous tourists during the summer months. However, it can also experience flash floods, particularly when there is sudden or heavy rainfall.
Experts have warned that climate change and inadequate early warning systems have made places like Swat more vulnerable to natural disasters.
“Extreme weather events are happening more often because of changes in climate patterns,” said Sherry Rehman
“The tragic drowning of several people in the River Swat is NOT the result of a random ‘natural disaster’.”
Earlier this week, the PMD issued a weather alert predicting rain and possible landslides in the upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. Still, many tourists either didn’t know about it or decided to continue with their travel plans.
After Flash Floods Sweep Away Tourists in the Swat River, Officials are Advising Caution
The local government has imposed a temporary ban on tourists visiting riverfront areas and is collaborating with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to monitor the situation.
Usman Ali, the Deputy Commissioner of Swat, highlighted the need for preventive measures:
“We are looking into setting up real-time alert systems and increasing surveillance in high-risk areas. Keeping tourists safe is our main concern.”
This event underscores the importance of enhancing risk communication, issuing real-time weather alerts, and conducting public awareness campaigns in Pakistan’s tourist areas.
While rescue teams keep looking for the missing people, officials are likely to review safety protocols before the Eid holiday season, which usually brings more tourists.
Both residents and visitors should heed official advice and avoid rivers when it rains heavily.
