Timely warning were issued ahead of flash flood in Swat, probe reveals

PESHAWAR: Amid the tragic Swat incident, the departmental inquiry revealed that the irrigation department had issued multiple warnings to relevant organisations and the deputy commissioners of Swat, Charsadda, and Nowshera before the flash flood in the district, according to media reports.

The flow of the water in the river drastically spiked to 77,782 cusecs from 6,738 in a few hours, leading to the loss of precious lives.

According to the inquiry, all the relevant authorities were alerted of the potential flood risk at 08 41 am by the irrigation department.

The reports revealed that continuous alerts till 10:30 am through WhatsApp were being sent to the DCs, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), ADC Relief, and other relevant bodies

According to the report, tourists at Khwazakhela had entered the river when water levels were still normal, but became trapped as the flow rose sharply due to heavy rainfall.

The report, in its recommendation, has urged the government to equip the Rescue 1122 with the latest machinery, halt visitors from such sensitive areas, and hold hotel owners accountable for allowing visitors into hazardous zones.

In order to improve river level monitoring, it also suggested that local governments create a policy limiting visitors to secure locations and install more telemetry gauges in Madyan and Kalam.