The investigation into the recent tragic incident in Swat, where rising floodwaters swept away several tourists, is currently underway, with a five-page initial report submitted by the Commissioner Malakand Division to the Provincial Inspection Team.
According to the report, unusually high rainfall led to the Swat River swelling to a dangerous 77,782 cusecs at Khwaza Khela.
A total of 17 tourists were caught in the flash flood — 10 from Sialkot, six from Mardan, and one local resident. Tragically, 12 bodies have been recovered so far, four individuals were rescued alive, and one person remains missing.
The report highlights that ongoing construction work in the riverbed had diverted water to the opposite bank, lowering water levels at the location where the tourists ventured in. CCTV and hotel records indicate the tourists arrived at the hotel at 8:31 am and entered the river by 9:31 am on the day of the incident.
A hotel security guard reportedly warned them not to enter the river, but they bypassed the restriction by accessing the water from the rear of the premises.
Emergency services were contacted at 9:45 am — just 14 minutes after the group entered the river — as water levels suddenly surged. Rescue teams arrived at the scene at 10:05 am. Despite a Flood Contingency Plan being prepared in May and Section 144 imposed in the region (banning swimming and boating), the tourists ignored warnings, contributing to the disaster.
The report also confirms that the government had already planned operations against encroachments along the riverbanks, and multiple weather alerts had been issued before the incident.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the government has taken disciplinary action, suspending the Deputy Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioners of Babuzai and Khwaza Khela, the District Emergency Officer, and the Tehsil Municipal Officer of Swat.
The Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa visited the site on June 28 and has since imposed a ban on all forms of river mining in the area.
In total, 75 people have reportedly been swept away in separate flood-related incidents across Swat this season, according to the report. The search for the last missing tourist continues.
