7 bodies recovered among 16 reported missing in Swat River flash floods in Pakistan

By Umar Bacha, Zahid Imdad, DAWN, June 27: Seven bodies have been recovered so far after at least 16 people were reported missing on Friday morning due to flash floods in the Swat River following heavy rains, according to rescue officials.

Flash floods prompted by heavy rain in the Swat district have engulfed several areas, resulting in the loss of life, with reports of dozens stranded, according to an initial report by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rescue 1122.

Rescue 1122 spokesperson Bilal Faizi confirmed that seven bodies have been recovered from reports of 16 people gone missing, with three people being rescued.

According to the initial report by KP Rescue 1122, search and rescue operations are underway for the remaining bodies in several areas.

Three bodies have been recovered from Ingaroderai, where 22 people have been safely evacuated.

One body was recovered from Ghalegy, where seven people were stranded, and rescue operations are still underway.

More than 10 people have drowned at the Bypass Relax Hotel, the report confirmed.

At least 120 Rescue 1122 personnel have been deployed in rescue operations.

“More than 22 people were trapped in the water in Imam Dhirai, who were rescued safely by the team of Rescue Station 33,” the report stated, adding that the search operation of Rescue Station 44 was ongoing.

Seven people are also reported to be trapped in Manyar, with Rescue Stations 44 and 55 working jointly in rescue activities.

One person was trapped at Panjigram village, where a rescue operation was underway.

At least 20 to 30 people have been rescued from Bara Bamakhela, the report said.

“All Rescue 1122 teams are present on site and rescue operations are in full swing,” the report said.

KP Rescue 1122 Director General Shah Fahad earlier confirmed that the bodies of three people had been recovered.

“The rescue operation is being conducted at five different locations and 80 personnel of Rescue 1122 are participating in the search operation,” Fahad was quoted as having said in a press release.

Earlier, Swat Rescue 1122 Spokesperson Niaz Khan told Dawn.com that there are reports of several people drowning in the river Swat as massive flooding could be seen.

“Two bodies so far have been recovered, and the operation continues for others, but high-level flood is hampering the operation,” Khan had said.