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22 Dead, Protests Erupt After Flash Floods in KP; Rescue Ops Ongoing in Swat
22 dead, 11 injured as floods, landslides hit KP. Swat sees 14 fatalities; 13 tourists swept away in river. Public protests negligence; rescue ops continue.
ND
by News Desk
2025-06-30
22 Dead, Protests Erupt After Flash Floods in KP; Rescue Ops Ongoing in Swat

At least 22 people have died and 11 others sustained injuries in rain and flood-related incidents across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) since June 25, as the province reels under heavy monsoon downpours, according to a report by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).

The report highlights the destructive impact of flash floods, landslides, and strong winds in multiple districts, including Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Chitral, Buner, Swabi, Kurram, Charsadda, Malakand, Shangla, Lower Dir, Torghar, and South Waziristan.

Of the 22 deceased, seven were men, five women, and ten children, while among the injured are six men, four women, and one child. Swat emerged as the worst-hit area, with 14 deaths and six injuries reported. The PDMA noted that 75 homes were damaged across KP, including 11 completely destroyed.

Rescue Continues in Swat River

A particularly tragic incident unfolded in Swat, where 13 tourists were swept away by a sudden flood in the Swat River. So far, 12 bodies have been recovered, while rescue teams continue their fourth day of search operations to locate the missing child.

Efforts are ongoing along the Swat bypass, Kanju, and Brikot, according to Rescue 1122.

Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Adviser to the KP Chief Minister on Information, confirmed the tragedy and announced that action will be taken against those responsible for the tourists’ deaths. He stated that 80 people were rescued during the floods but also acknowledged the inadequacy of the province’s air ambulance, which lacks proper equipment for flood rescues.

Saif added, “Sending the air ambulance in such weather and terrain could have led to further disaster.” He also deflected political criticism, blaming those demanding CM Ali Amin Gandapur’s resignation for similar tragedies in Sindh.

Public Protests Demand Accountability

Widespread public protests erupted on Saturday in Mingora’s Nishat Chowk, led by the Swat Olasi Pasoon and civil society activists, who condemned the delayed response by local authorities. Protesters said that timely rescue could have saved lives and demanded the introduction of a helicopter service, early flood warning systems, and accountability for negligence.

Political workers, lawyers, and traders joined the demonstrations, voicing anger over unregulated riverbed mining, which they claimed has altered the Swat River’s natural course, exacerbating flooding risks.

Government Response and Suspensions

In response, Chief Minister Gandapur has ordered an inquiry into the incident and announced compensation for victims’ families. The government has also suspended four officials — three from Swat’s district administration and one from the relief and rehabilitation department.

The PDMA has warned that monsoon rains are expected to continue until July 1, and all district administrations have been instructed to remain on high alert and provide immediate relief and medical aid to affected families.

As climate-driven disasters become more frequent, the latest tragedy in KP underscores the urgent need for investment in modern disaster management systems, rescue infrastructure, and environmental regulation to protect lives and livelihoods.
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