The body of another tourist swept away by a flash flood in the Swat River was recovered on Saturday, raising the death toll to ten, officials have confirmed.
The incident occurred early on Friday morning when a sudden flood trapped around 70 people, mostly tourists.
Rescue teams managed to save 55 individuals, while search operations continue for the remaining victims.
Rescue officials revealed that ten members of the same family were among those killed.
Their bodies have now been identified and returned to their hometowns via ambulances arranged by local authorities.
Two of the latest bodies were recovered downstream near Barikot.
According to a Rescue 1122 spokesperson, Civil Defence teams, local volunteers, and rescue staff are jointly handling the operation.
โInitially, it was assumed that the trapped individuals were close to the bank and could be pulled to safety with ropes,โ he said.
โHowever, when the situation escalated, trained swimmers were deployed, resulting in the rescue of three or four individuals alive.โ
The tragedy struck when families from Sialkot were having breakfast on the dry bed of the Swat River near the bypass.
Suddenly, a powerful flash flood surged through the area, submerging the riverbank and sweeping away those nearby.
Climate Change Concerns and Safety Warnings
Experts from the Pakistan Meteorological Department said the flash flood was caused by heavy rain and rapid glacial melt.
โThis is not an isolated incident. We are witnessing more frequent and intense flash floods in northern areas, particularly during the peak summer months,โ a climate specialist noted.
In response, local authorities have issued warnings to tourists to stay away from riverbanks during and after rainfall.
The Deputy Commissioner of Swat has instructed hotels and businesses near rivers to exercise greater caution after the Swat River tragedy.
Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 says its teams will continue the search operation until all missing persons are found.
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