SWAT( The COW News Digital )Former Pakistan cricket star Shahid Afridi expressed deep sorrow and frustration over the tragic incident in Swat where a flash flood swept away 17 tourists, killing at least nine and leaving several still missing.Taking to social media, Afridi shared a heart-wrenching message, stating,
“Those innocent souls who drowned in Swat’s river waited helplessly until the very last moment, hoping someone would save them.”
He added with criticism,
“They didn’t know that those responsible for saving them had different priorities.”
The devastating flash flood hit the Fizagat area of Swat early Friday morning, sweeping away a group of tourists who had gone down to the river after breakfast to take pictures. According to eyewitnesses, they ventured onto a dry portion of the riverbed, unaware of the approaching torrent. Within moments, a sudden wave surrounded them, forcing the group to climb onto a small mound, where they cried out for help — but the force of the floodwaters made rescue nearly impossible.
Despite desperate efforts from local residents, most attempts to save them failed due to the overwhelming current.
So far, rescue teams have recovered nine bodies and managed to save four people. The search continues for the remaining four missing tourists. Rescue 1122, with the support of 120 personnel, has been conducting search operations under difficult conditions.
Among the victims, ten were from a single family from Daska, Sialkot. Six others were from Mardan, and one was a local resident from Swat.
The incident has sparked national mourning and a wave of criticism regarding the lack of timely warnings and preventive safety measures in tourist areas during monsoon season.
Afridi’s emotional remarks have further amplified public outcry, drawing attention to the responsibilities of the local administration and disaster management authorities. His words reflect a widespread sentiment of frustration that such tragedies could potentially be avoided with stronger preparedness and stricter regulation.
As families grieve, the nation demands accountability — and most importantly, preventive action to ensure such a loss does not happen again.
