MANSEHRA: Two youth drowned on Sunday in the Indus River in the Balyani Akazai area of Torghar district.

“Two local youngsters drowned while another managed to catch onto the riverbank but fell unconscious,” Noor Alam Khan, a resident, told reporters.

One of the three friends, Anwar Rafique, jumped into the Indus River to escape the sizzling heat, but torrents dragged him into the deep water.

Rehman Bilal jumped in to rescue him, but, according to eyewitnesses, also drowned. Another youngster, witnessing the entire incident, attempted to rescue both of them and also jumped into the water, but drowned.

According to locals, he managed to return to the riverbank and fell unconscious.

The locals rushed him to a nearby health facility, where his condition was reported to be out of danger.

Rescuers 1122 officials and local divers began search to retrieve the bodies of both the friends, but the swelling waters hampered their efforts.

The Torghar district administration had already issued an advisory urging locals to stay away from the Indus River and streams in the area.

District administrations in Upper Kohistan and Lower Kohistan also issued warnings about the dangerous consequences of approaching rivers and streams.

“Due to monsoon rains, the rivers and streams are swelling dangerously, endangering swimmers and those crossing them,” a circular issued by Rescue 1122 stated.

Mansehra’s district administration also warned tourists visiting Kaghan Valley of not approaching or taking selfies on the Kunhar riversides during their visits.

Three people have already drowned in the Kaghan Valley over the last fortnight.

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2025