Nine Killed as Floodwaters Sweep Away Family in Pakistan’s Swat Valley

At least nine people were killed on Friday when powerful floodwaters swept away children and their relatives during a family picnic along the Swat River in northern Pakistan, authorities said.

According to district administrator Shehzad Mahboob, the tragedy unfolded when the children, who had entered the water to take photos, were suddenly caught in the river’s strong current. Relatives jumped in to rescue them but were also swept away by the monsoon-swollen river.

“So far, nine bodies have been recovered,” Mahboob told Reuters, adding that four people were rescued alive and four others remain missing. He said it was still unclear how many of the victims were children.

Rescue official Shah Fahad said over 80 personnel were involved in the ongoing search effort. Footage verified by Reuters showed a group stranded on a small patch of land surrounded by rapidly rising water.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority later issued an alert warning of dangerously high flood levels and urged the public to take precautions.

Local mayor Shahid Ali Khan confirmed the victims were tourists from other parts of Pakistan visiting the scenic Swat Valley, a popular destination during the summer months.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the victims’ families, according to a statement from his office.