Two youths drown in waterfall incident in Bara Gali area of Abbottabad

ABBOTTABAD: Two young men drowned after falling into a waterfall in the Bara Gali area of Abbottabad, police said on Saturday.

Police identified one of the victims as Rizwan, a resident of Bara Gali, who drowned while bathing at the Jandar Bari Waterfall.

According to initial reports, the youth slipped into deep water while swimming in the waterfall.

A search and rescue operation is underway, with local volunteers joined by Rescue 1122 teams from Galiyat and Abbottabad. Rescue teams are continuing efforts to recover the body.

Residents are also taking part in rescue operations at the site.

The incident once again highlights recurring tragedies across the Hazara region during the monsoon season.

Authorities said that despite official bans on swimming and bathing at such dangerous sites, dozens of people lose their lives every year in streams, waterfalls, ponds and lakes due to strong currents and rising water levels.

Officials have repeatedly urged the public to follow safety restrictions, warning that ignoring the ban continues to result in avoidable loss of life annually.