WEB DESK: The death toll in the devastating Swat river incident has climbed further after rescue teams recovered the body of another young girl from the raging waters. The heartbreaking funerals for eight family members were held in Daska, where hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their respects. The arrival of the eight coffins plunged the city into profound grief, with emotional scenes as relatives embraced the few survivors while overcome with sorrow.
Among the victims laid to rest were two young brothers from Mardan – seven-year-old Ayan and ten-year-old Aima – whose funeral prayers were offered at the Shuhada Cemetery. Three sisters who perished in the tragedy had their last rites performed on College Road, while a mother and her two daughters were buried after funeral prayers at Darul Aloom Madina in Daska Kalan. The two Mardan children were laid to rest in their ancestral village of Nawan Kali Rustam, where community members turned out in large numbers to bid farewell.
Gross negligence or incompetence? Swat River sweeps tourists away
The tragedy unfolded when the Swat River suddenly surged, sweeping away an entire family as they stood near its banks. Despite brave rescue attempts by locals using boats, the violent currents proved too powerful. Search operations had been suspended due to darkness but have now resumed as teams continue looking for remaining missing family members. The heartbreaking incident has left the entire region in mourning, with every eye filled with tears and the air heavy with grief in Daska, where the community has come together to support the devastated families in their darkest hour.
Rescue Efforts Continue
Authorities have relaunched search operations for those still missing after suspending efforts overnight due to poor visibility. The tragedy occurred when the river’s sudden surge caught the family unaware, with local residents’ attempts to reach them by boat proving futile against the powerful currents. The incident has highlighted the dangers posed by the Swat River during monsoon season and left an entire community grappling with unimaginable loss.