SWAT: The death toll from the Swat River incident rose to 12 on Sunday, with rescue teams still searching for three missing persons.
According to Rescue 1122 Swat, the body of a child swept away in the floodwaters was recovered downstream in another district. The body was shifted to a hospital for legal formalities and will be transported to the child’s hometown in Mardan.
Rescue officials confirmed that efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining missing person.
The tragedy occurred on Friday when a sudden surge in the Swat River swept away 17 members of a family from Sialkot who were picnicking along the riverbank. Rescue teams faced tough conditions in their response, with the operation extending across Khwazakhela, Kabal Bypass, and Barikot.
More than 120 personnel from Rescue 1122 units in Swat, Malakand, and Shangla participated in the search, using boats and specialized equipment to comb the riverbanks and deeper channels.
In the wake of the incident, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a large-scale crackdown on illegal structures built near or within the Swat River.
KP Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah stated that a blanket ban has been enforced on all mining activities along the riverbed. He further announced that an operation will be launched to remove encroachments, including hotels and buildings illegally constructed near the river.
