Pakistan has witnessed a series of tragic drowning incidents in different regions as rivers and rainwater streams swell due to increased water flow and seasonal rains. Rescue operations are underway at multiple sites. In Swat, 15 tourists drowned in the Swat River near the Mingora Bypass, according to rescue officials. City Mayor Shahid Ali reported that three people were successfully rescued, while the bodies of two victims have been recovered.

Search operations are ongoing to locate the remaining individuals.In Lower Dir, four people, including two women and two children, drowned in the Panjkora River near the Khazana Bypass. Rescue teams confirmed the victims were on their way to work by the riverside when they were swept away by strong currents. Search and recovery efforts are still in progress. Separately, in the Munda area, an elderly man fell into a seasonal stream but was safely rescued by emergency responders.

In Jhelum, two individuals drowned when a loader rickshaw attempted to cross a rainwater stream recklessly near the Domeli police jurisdiction. Police arrested the rickshaw driver, Yasir, for negligence, stating that his irresponsible act led to the tragic deaths.According to authorities, six other passengers managed to swim to safety. The incident occurred when the rickshaw was swept away by the strong current while crossing the stream.In another tragic incident near the Pakistani Bridge in Depalpur, a speeding car skidded and plunged into a canal.

Rescue teams successfully saved four children from the vehicle, but the driver drowned and could not be revived. The body has been handed over to the family, while the rescued children were taken to the hospital for medical attention. Authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution near rivers, canals, and rainwater streams, especially during the monsoon season, as rescue teams remain on high alert across the affected areas.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)