Heavy rain in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has caused the Swat River to overflow near Fizagat, sweeping away 18 tourists to their deaths and seven dead bodies have been taken out, leaving 13 others stranded along the riverbank.

Officials reported that 80 people were stranded in the floodwaters, with 57 successfully rescued so far.

Rescue operations were carried out across five locations, with teams from the local administration, Rescue 1122, and other agencies working together. Efforts to locate the missing and support affected families are ongoing.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur have expressed deep sorrow over the drowning of tourists in the Swat River, describing the incident as extremely tragic.

They conveyed their condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims, saying they stand in solidarity with the bereaved during this difficult time.