Rescuers retrieved five bodies from the Swat River on Friday after at least 18 members of the same family were swept away by a sudden surge of water level in the river this morning, prompting ongoing rescue efforts.

Three individuals have been rescued, according to rescue officials.

The affected family hailing from Sialkot was on a leisure trip, having breakfast by the riverbank when heavy rains upstream caused an unexpected and rapid increase in water flow, rescue officials said.

The tragic incident occurred around 8:00am, leaving guests unaware of the looming danger.

This is a developing story and is being updated with more details.