Four stranded trekkers airlifted from wadi in RAK

The Emirati tourists were on their way to the top of the mountain which is about 1,900 metres above sea level.

Captain Saeed Rashid Al Yamahi, who heads the Air Wing, said that the operations room was tipped off by residents. The Emiratis who were trekking to the top could not climb further due to fatigue. They waited at one place as the rescue teams arrived in a helicopter and airlifted them.

Three of them were found in relatively good conditions, though very exhausted, the fourth victim was found in a serious condition. All of them were taken to the hospital after first aid.

Captain Al Yamahi urged the public to comply with safety requirements while visiting the wadis or trekking in the mountains. As the rainy season is about to begin, residents and tourists have to be careful while visiting wadis.

“Most of the wadis get flooded and roads passing through these valleys become impassable. It is risky for the people to visit wadis during heavy rains,” said Al Yamahi.

He advised people to listen to the weather forecasts before travelling to wadis or mountains.

During last year’s rains, a few people lost their lives and many others had to be rescued from flooded wadis of Al Ghaleelah and Al Baih.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com