Islamabad: Devastating flash floods have swept through parts of northwestern Pakistan, claiming at least 18 lives in the past 24 hours, with eight new fatalities reported most recently. The torrential downpours have triggered severe flooding, particularly affecting tourist hotspots and local communities along the Swat River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Emergency teams are continuing their search and rescue efforts, with nearly 100 personnel working to locate missing persons. So far, 58 individuals have been rescued from the swollen waters of the Swat River. A distressing video circulating online shows people crying out for help as surging floodwaters engulfed the area, highlighting the chaos and desperation on the ground.
Authorities had previously issued warnings regarding potential flash flooding in the Swat Valley, but the intensity of the rain appears to have caught many off guard. In response to the escalating situation, officials have once again urged citizens to strictly adhere to safety protocols and avoid traveling to flood-prone zones.
Pakistan is currently in the grip of its monsoon season, which typically spans July to September, bringing both essential rainfall and destructive deluges. The government has extended its monsoon alert across several regions, cautioning that more heavy rains could trigger additional flooding and landslides in the coming days.