'Drowning Pond' in RAK is responsible for seven deaths

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Al Maghraqa or ‘drowning’ pond in RAK is not a normal rain pond, but part of Wadi Shawkah.
Al Maghraqa or 'drowning' pond in RAK is not a normal rain pond, but part of Wadi Shawkah.

Ras Al Khaimah - Saeed Musabih Al Qaydi, who lives near the Wadi Shawkah area, some 90km to the south of Ras Al Khaimah city, said seven people have died at the same pond since 1980. The pond fills up during the rainy season.

By Ahmed Shaaban

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Published: Wed 12 Oct 2016, 8:50 PM

The drowning of a nine-year-old Emirati girl in a deep pond in Ras Al Khaimah on Saturday has once again highlighted the dangers of leaving children unattended, particularly in valleys.
Saeed Musabih Al Qaydi, who lives near the Wadi Shawkah area, some 90km to the south of Ras Al Khaimah city, said seven people have died at the same pond since 1980. The pond fills up during the rainy season.
This spot, which is not a normal rain pond, but rather a part of the deep Wadi Shawkah, is known as 'Al Maghraqa' or 'Drowning Pond'.
A pleasant family trip turned into a nightmare after two little girls fell into the pond. "One of them, identified as T.A.F., could not make it and died on the spot. Her father, however, managed to save his niece who was playing with his daughter in the same pond," said Al Qaydi. There are no single warning signs close to the pond which is part of the Wadi Shawkah. "It is so dangerous to leave this pond without warning signs," he added.
Khamees Al Qaydi, a resident of Shawkah, said the 30m long pond, which is about 10m deep, has water all year round, even during the summer months.
Col Saeed Mohammed Al Muhairi, chief of the Manei police station, said: "T.A.F's father managed to rescue the 9-year-old daughter of his brother, but could not save his own daughter as he arrived late." He has urged residents to avoid such ponds.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com


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