Search continues for missing mountaineer after GLOF in Swat

Rescue teams are continuing an extensive search operation for a missing mountaineering guide after a Glacial

SWAT: Rescue teams are continuing an extensive search operation for a missing mountaineering guide after a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) struck a trekking expedition near Falak Sar Peak in Upper Swat, affecting seven members of the group.

According to Rescue 1122 officials, veteran mountaineer Mian Syed Ali Shah went missing after his safety rope snapped while climbing near the summit of Falak Sar Peak in the remote Matiltan area on Friday evening.

Emergency officials said the accident occurred in a difficult mountainous region where access remains limited, making rescue efforts challenging. Search teams have continued the operation despite rough terrain and unfavourable conditions.

Rescue personnel successfully evacuated the remaining six members of the expedition from the affected area.

Three trekkers sustained injuries during the incident. They were initially provided medical treatment at the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Kalam before being shifted to Central Hospital Saidu Sharif for further care.

The injured were identified as Hawar Hussain, 40, Haris, 22, and Haroon, 27, all residents of Rawalpindi. Medical officials said they are receiving treatment, while the remaining members of the expedition are safe.

Rescue authorities said every possible effort is being made to locate the missing mountaineer. Search teams are using available resources to cover the mountainous area, but difficult weather conditions and the remote location continue to slow the operation.

The incident occurred as northern Pakistan faces an increased risk of glacial flooding during the ongoing monsoon season.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a fresh warning about the possibility of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan from July 19 to July 25.

According to the weather department, a strong westerly weather system is expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to the northern parts of the country over the coming days.

Meteorologists warned that higher temperatures in glacier-covered regions, combined with heavy rainfall, could accelerate snow and glacier melting. This may significantly increase water levels in rivers, streams and glacial lakes.