A shocking video has gone viral on social media, showing a family stranded in the middle of the Swat River in Pakistan just moments before a powerful flood swept them away.
The heartbreaking footage shows several people, including children, standing on a small raised strip in the river, crying for help as strong water currents rushed around them. Sadly, at least nine people from the same extended family died in this tragic accident, according to reports.
The family had traveled from Sialkot and were enjoying a morning near the riverbank, having breakfast and taking selfies. A family member told Reporters that the water level was low at first, but suddenly, a huge wave came and carried everyone away.
Flash Flood Tragedy in #Pakistan’s #SwatRiver
A devastating flash flood struck the Swat River in Pakistan on Thursday, sweeping away a group of people, including women and children.
According to local authorities, at least four people have been confirmed dead, while 11 others… pic.twitter.com/6nFpwoBRN6
— BNN Channel (@Bavazir_network) June 27, 2025
Swat Deputy Commissioner Shehzad Mehboob said 17 people were caught in the flash flood. So far, nine bodies have been found, four people were rescued alive, and the search is still on for the remaining four. Among the victims were women and children. Locals said it took over two hours for rescue teams to reach the site.
The tragedy caused deep sorrow in Sialkot, where family members received the bodies of their loved ones. One relative, in tears, said, “My children were calling for help right in front of me. We couldn’t save them.”
The Pakistan Army has joined rescue efforts, and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has launched a high-level investigation to find out what went wrong. A report is expected within seven days, with suggestions on how to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has warned that more heavy rains and flash floods are expected in northern Pakistan in the coming days.
Read more: Himachal Flash Floods: 3 Dead, 8 Missing as Search Operations Continue
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called it a painful reminder of nature’s power. He urged tourists to always follow safety guidelines during bad weather.
While heavy rains are currently affecting many parts of Pakistan—blocking roads and damaging homes—weather experts believe this year’s rainfall may be less severe than in 2022, when one-third of the country was flooded, and over 1,700 people died.
