SWAT: Former Research Officer (RO) and Ex District Emergency Officer (DEO) has recorded the statement to the investigation committee regarding the Swat tragedy.
As per detail, The committee questioned the former Rescue Officer as to why precious lives could not be saved. He responded that every possible effort was made to rescue those drowning. At the Khwazakhela Bridge, the water flow had exceeded 77,000 cusecs.
He stated that at 9:49 AM, a citizen called to report that children were trapped in a hotel. The rescue medical team arrived on site at 10:04 AM, and within 15 minutes, divers and floating boats were used to attempt to rescue tourists. He mentioned that the water flow at the scene was very fast and high; within 40 to 45 minutes, they did what they could—rescued three tourists.
The former Rescue Officer further explained that before the Swat incident, two emergency operations had been completed, rescuing tourists and moving them to safe locations. On June 27, operations were carried out at eight locations, rescuing 107 tourists.
Meanwhile, a meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was held, during which it was decided to equip Rescue with drones and modern equipment and to train local individuals in emergency response. The Chief Secretary also directed ongoing drills for rescue personnel.He emphasized that all departments should ensure presence at hot spots, ongoing efforts should be made to clean rivers and streams, and the public should be kept informed about emergencies via SMS. He clarified that additional Deputy Commissioners for Relief would be designated in each district for first response.
On the other hand, the district administration in Swat is continuing a grand operation against encroachments. So far, 26 hotels and restaurants on Bypass and Fiza Ghat have been demolished. The affected family’s breakfast hotel by the riverbank was also destroyed.According to the district administration, actions are underway against 49 hotels and restaurants up to Sangota.
Regarding this, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stated that the operation against encroachments would continue without discrimination, and the scope of the operation would be expanded further without any pressure.It is also remembered that recently, in the Swat River during a flood surge, 17 people were swept away, and one child remains missing. Rescue operations to find the child are ongoing on the fourth day. The bodies of 12 individuals who drowned have been recovered; four were saved on the day of the incident.
