Staff Report
PESHAWAR:Advisor to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information, Barrister Dr. Saif, has said that rescue and relief operations are actively underway in flood-affected areas of Swat. He stated that Rescue 1122, PDMA, Civil Defence, and the district administration are jointly taking part in the emergency response, with the Chief Minister himself monitoring the ongoing operations.
The Information Advisor informed that rescue teams have successfully evacuated over 60 individuals who were stranded in various locations due to flash floods. He also confirmed that a tragic incident occurred at Mingora Bypass where more than 10 people reportedly drowned. Rescue Station 11 teams conducted a search operation at the site. Three bodies have been recovered from Mingora Angro Dherai, where Station 11 also participated in the rescue efforts.
In Imam Dherai, over 22 individuals trapped in floodwaters were safely rescued. In another incident at Ghaligay, seven people were stranded, and one body has been recovered. Reports also emerged of seven people trapped in the Manyar area. In Panjigram, a person was reported stranded, prompting the dispatch of a rescue team to the location. Furthermore, in Barha Bamakhela, Matta, over 20 people were successfully rescued.
Barrister Saif noted that Rescue 1122 teams in Swat are relentlessly engaged in rescue operations. He appealed to the public to stay away from flood-prone areas and immediately contact Rescue 1122 in case of any emergency. He added that the PDMA control center can also be reached at 1700.
The Information Advisor further stated that water discharge at Khwazakhela point in River Swat has reached 77,782 cusecs, prompting the establishment of a dedicated Flood Cell on the directives of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. He said that district administrations in Charsadda and Nowshera have been put on high alert, and all relevant departments have been instructed to take urgent precautionary measures to protect human lives, property, crops, and livestock.
Barrister Dr. Saif emphasized that the Chief Minister has directed the Relief Department, PDMA, Rescue 1122, and Civil Defence to remain on high alert, particularly in low-lying and vulnerable areas. Populations along the banks of River Kabul are being informed about potential increases in water levels.
He added that district administrations have been instructed to ensure protective arrangements in potentially affected areas, including the availability of food, medicines, and shelters at relief camps, along with the relocation of livestock from riverbanks and low-lying regions to safer locations. Citizens have also been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and refrain from using vehicles in hazardous areas.
