PESHAWAR: At least 22 people have died and 11 others were injured in rain-related incidents, flash floods, and landslides across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since June 25, according to a report issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Monday.
The torrential rains have caused widespread destruction in multiple districts, with Swat emerging as the worst affected, where 14 people were killed and six injured after a sudden surge in the Swat River swept away residents and tourists.
Of the total fatalities, the PDMA report said the victims included seven men, five women, and 10 children, while six men, four women, and one child were among the injured. A total of 75 houses have been damaged—64 partially and 11 completely destroyed.
The affected districts include Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Chitral, Buner, Swabi, Kurram, Charsadda, Malakand, Shangla, Lower Dir, Torghar, and South Waziristan.
Search Operation in Swat River Continues
Rescue operations entered their fourth day on Monday in the Swat River, where 13 tourists went missing amid flash floods. So far, 12 bodies have been recovered, while the search continues for a missing child.
Rescue teams are scouring multiple locations, including Swat Bypass, Kanju, and Brikot. Authorities said difficult terrain and poor weather have complicated efforts.
Government Response and Public Anger
Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Adviser to the KP Chief Minister on Information, told reporters that 80 people had been rescued, but airlifting the stranded was not feasible due to the lack of proper rescue equipment in the air ambulance and unsafe weather conditions.
He said the helicopter was designed to transport injured persons, not conduct high-risk air rescue missions.
Responding to public outrage, the government suspended four officials, including three from Swat’s district administration and one from the Relief and Rehabilitation Department. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also ordered an inquiry and announced compensation for the deceased.
Protests and Demands for Reform
On Saturday, citizens, political activists, and civil society members staged a protest at Nishat Chowk in Mingora, condemning the delayed response from Rescue 1122 and district authorities. Protesters demanded a modern rescue system, a dedicated helicopter service, and an early warning system to manage future disasters more effectively.
Many also blamed unchecked riverbed mining for altering the Swat River’s natural course, intensifying the risk of floods and environmental degradation.
Speakers at the protest called for accountability and comprehensive disaster management reforms to prevent future tragedies.
PDMA Warning
With monsoon rains expected to continue until July 1, the PDMA has instructed local administrations to stay on high alert and ensure immediate relief and medical assistance to affected families.
As rescue efforts continue and the province mourns its losses, pressure mounts on the KP government to overhaul its emergency response and implement stronger preventive measures against natural disasters.
