A critical investigative revelation has surfaced regarding the non-installation of an Early Flood Warning System (EFWS) in the flood-prone Swat River, despite the system being provided back in 2010. For the past 15 years, the system has remained unused, locked away in inactive government offices, while the river continues to claim lives every monsoon.
According to sources, if the EFWS had been installed and operational, the recent tragedy that claimed 12 lives—including 9 from Daska and 2 from Mardan—could potentially have been prevented. Experts argue that an effective early warning system could have allowed timely evacuation and preparedness.
Alarmingly, multiple government departments, including Rescue 1122, the Irrigation Department, the Relief Authority, and other relevant institutions, have failed to coordinate or prioritize the implementation of this essential technology. The system, designed to provide real-time alerts and save lives during floods, has remained sidelined for over a decade and a half, reflecting a deep-rooted institutional paralysis.
Despite Swat River’s history of sudden and deadly flooding, authorities have shown no urgency in ensuring flood forecasting mechanisms are in place. The tragic incident two days ago serves as a stark reminder of what proactive disaster preparedness could have achieved.
Public and civil society voices are now demanding immediate installation of the EFWS, accountability for those responsible, and a thorough investigation into the reasons behind this prolonged delay. With climate change intensifying weather patterns, the need for reliable early warning systems has never been more urgent.
