Heads roll as KP govt launches inquiry into Swat River tragedy

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Saturday launched an inquiry into Swat River tragedy as four officials including two assistant commissioners were suspended for negligence as two more bodies of the victim families retrieved taking the death toll to 11, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The KP government also announced compensation for the families of those killed in the River Swat tragedy. The provincial chief secretary (CS), Shahab Ali Shah said that the government would give Rs1.5 million to heirs of each victim.

Earlier, the CS inspected the site of the incident and ordered an operation against the structures erected on the banks of the river such as hotels, restaurants and housing societies. He said that he was really saddened by the incident. “Those found negligent in the rescue operation will be taken to task,” he said, adding that action will also be taken against the encroachers.

The CS informed that all types of mining in the river had been banned immediately. He also appealed to tourists not to go to the centre of the river during the ongoing rainy season. 

He said that a committee had been formed to probe the incident. The chief secretary went on to say that all steps would be taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future. 

Four officials suspended

Indignant over the administration’s failure to act swiftly to save the lives of 11 tourists who died after they were swept away by raging River Swat on Friday, KP Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur on Saturday suspended four officers, including two assistant commissioners (ACs).

The spokesman for the CM said those who were suspended were ACs of Babuzai and Khawaza Khela and ADC Relief and Rescue 1122 district in-charge. 

The chief minister also constituted a team to probe the incident. 

Chief Secretary KP reached the site of the incident on Saturday and monitored the rescue operation.  

AFP adds: "In the past 24 hours, flash floods and landslides have claimed the lives of 11 people -- including four children and three women -- while six others have been injured," according to a report issued by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa disaster management agency.

The report said 10 of those killed were in the Swat Valley, where, according to local media, a flash flood swept away families on a riverbank.

Flooding in the province has also damaged 56 houses, six of which were destroyed, the disaster agency report said.

The national meteorological service warned that the risk of heavy rain and possible flash floods will remain high until at least Tuesday.

Last month, at least 24 people were killed in severe storms in the country, which experienced several extreme weather events in the spring, including strong hailstorms.

Pakistan is one of the world's most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change, and its 240 million inhabitants are facing extreme weather events with increasing frequency.

Reporter: Khawaja Subhan