Residents with any information have been urged to contact the concerned authority
emergencies7 hours ago
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
Residents with any information have been urged to contact the concerned authority
emergencies7 hours ago
Northeastern University in Boston says the action was taken after some protesters resorted to virulent anti-Semitic slurs
world8 hours ago
The church has been built on 4.37 acres of land, and stands opposite the BAPS Hindu temple
uae8 hours ago
A detailed guide on where to apply, the steps involved, and criteria for eligibility
uae8 hours ago
The Emirates called for strengthening the international humanitarian response and providing urgent relief to those in need
mena9 hours ago
Photonics is the study of light and has several applications including LED, VR, holograms, high-speed internet and solar panels among other things
uae9 hours ago
A delegation from Egypt arrived in Israel on Friday hoping to revive the truce negotiations
mena9 hours ago
The decision aims to protect the safety and security of pilgrims
gulf10 hours ago