Abbottabad on alert amid flood threat
The District Administration on Saturday issued a high alert as heavy monsoon rains continue to pose serious flood and landslide risks across the region.
The alert covers a broad area — from Circle Bakot and Galiyat to Lora and parts of Azad Kashmir — where flash floods and landslides threaten lives and property. In a bid to prevent casualties, authorities have imposed Section 144, banning bathing, swimming, and even sitting near rivers and streams across the district. Harno, a popular tourist spot, has also been sealed off as a precaution by the Assistant Commissioner of Galiyat.
Despite repeated warnings, tourists continue to visit high-risk areas, including the Jehlum River
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Express Tribune
Abbottabad on alert amid flood threat
Flash floods sweep through the Kaghan Valley in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa after heavy rains. PHOTO: PPI The District Administration on Saturday issued a high alert as heavy monsoon rains continue to pose serious flood and landslide risks across the region. The alert covers a broad area — from Circle Bakot and Galiyat to Lora and parts of Azad Kashmir — where flash floods and landslides threaten lives and property. In a bid to prevent casualties, authorities have imposed Section 144, banning bathing, swimming, and even sitting near rivers and streams across the district. Harno, a popular tourist spot, has also been sealed off as a precaution by the Assistant Commissioner of Galiyat. Despite repeated warnings, tourists continue to visit high-risk areas, including the Jehlum River
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Express Tribune
Heads roll over Swat river tragedy
A rescue worker rows a raft while searching for survivors, after tourists, who were on a picnic, were swept away by overflowing floodwaters in the Swat River, in Swat Valley in Pakistan June 27, 2025. Photo: Reuters The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has removed top officials of Rescue department and Upper Swat Development Authority following the recent drowning of tourists in the Swat River, said officials on Tuesday. The provincial inspection team submitted a report blaming the Swat Development Authority for administrative delays, reported Express News. The report also raised concerns over the DG Rescue's lack of technical expertise in handling such emergencies. The incident, in which several tourists drowned due to a delayed rescue operation, had already led the provincial government to suspend six officers earlier. As part of the latest action, K-P Rescue DG's services have been handed over to the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA), while the Swat Development Authority DG has been removed from his seat and assigned a non-operational role, effectively removing him from active administrative duties. Commissioner's findings The decisions follow a detailed report submitted by the Malakand commissioner to an inquiry committee investigating the mishandling of the rescue operation. The Swat tragedy has sparked criticism over lack of emergency preparedness in the region, especially during peak tourist seasons. The provincial government's disciplinary action underscores growing concerns over tourism safety and crisis response mechanisms in the area. According to official reports, 17 tourists — 10 from Sialkot, six from Mardan, and one resident — were caught in floodwaters after entering the river in Khwazakhela despite visible risks. Four tourists were rescued, while 12 bodies were recovered. Rescue efforts for one missing person are ongoing. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) described the flood level as "very high". The sudden surge raised the Swat River's flow from 6,738 to 77,782 cusecs within hours, leaving little chance for those trapped to return to safety. An investigation revealed that nearby construction along the river had altered its natural flow, causing deceptively low water levels at the site. This misled the tourists and they entered the river. A hotel security guard reportedly tried to stop them, but they bypassed the main entrance and accessed the river through the back. Within 14 minutes of entering, rising water levels prompted a distress call at 9.45am. Rescue teams arrived at 10.05am — 20 minutes after the call. Before the incident, early flood alerts had been issued by the irrigation department at 8.41am. Formal warnings were sent to the deputy commissioners of Swat, Charsadda and Nowshera, as well as PDMA and other relevant authorities. A formal flood alert followed at 10.30am. The report noted that Section 144, prohibiting swimming and boating in the Swat River, had been imposed from 24 June, but enforcement remained lax
Business Recorder
30-06-2025
- Business Recorder
Karachi police bar families from visiting beaches
KARACHI: Karachi police on Sunday barred families from visiting beaches amid high tidal waves in the sea. As per details, despite restrictions under Section 144, large numbers of Karachi residents attempted to visit coastal areas on Sunday. Police personnel deputed at the entry point of Sandspit beach, stopped picnickers from proceeding further, resulting in long queues of vehicles and confrontations between citizens and law enforcement officers. According to police, several families were turned back from the Sandspit area as swimming and recreational activity at the sea have been officially banned due to safety concerns. The restrictions were imposed in light of high tides and dangerous sea conditions, with the ban expected to remain in effect until August 20. Authorities reiterated that under Section 144, swimming in the sea and public gatherings at the coast are strictly prohibited. The enforcement is part of precautionary measures to avoid potential drowning incidents during the monsoon season.
