Swat: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has ordered the closure of hotels and resorts along the Swat River due to the heightened risk of flooding during the ongoing monsoon season.
Officials issued evacuation and closure notices to hotel owners and tourists on Monday, warning of dangerous water levels and potential flash floods triggered by continuous heavy rainfall across the region.
The district administration confirmed that teams have been dispatched to ensure the safe evacuation of guests from riverside properties in vulnerable areas such as Fiza Gat, Bahrain, and Mingora. Authorities have stressed that these measures are temporary but essential for public safety.
A senior official said the decision was taken after meteorological forecasts predicted further intense rain over the next few days, increasing the likelihood of the Swat River overflowing its banks.
Tourists and local residents have been urged to stay away from the riverfront, avoid unnecessary travel to high-risk zones, and closely follow all safety advisories issued by local authorities.
The government has also asked hotel owners to cooperate fully with the administration to avoid any loss of life or property in the event of sudden flooding.
This precautionary move highlights the region’s vulnerability during monsoon season and the need for better preparedness to handle natural disasters in popular tourist destinations like Swat.