Asian woman dies after falling off mountain in UAE

An Asian woman, in her thirties, succumbed to fatal injuries she received after she fell off a mountain in Ras Al Khaimah.

Brigadier Sulaiman Mohammed Al Kizi, chief of the comprehensive police stations of the RAK police, said on Friday that the woman was on a trip with her husband and friends atop the Ghalila mountain. The central operations room of the RAK police was alerted of the mishap on Friday around 2.30pm, he added.

"The panicked husband told the police that his wife was exhausted due to lack of food and water that she lost consciousness and slipped off the Ghalila mountain down to the deep valley therein." The victim and her group were heading back to camp when the tragic fall took place.

Trekkers in the area provided all possible help until the national ambulance and rescue teams arrived at the scene. The paramedics provided the victim with first aid until a chopper of the Sharjah police airlifted her to the nearest hospital for medical care. Unfortunately, the victim sustained grave injuries, and bled excessively. The hospital declared her dead on arrival.

Brigadier Al Kizi urged all tourists and mountain trekkers to be cautious, particularly around rocky areas. "Climbers need to get sufficient training and get help from a professional expert before heading to such risky places. Climbers need to inform authorities about their activities, whereabouts and the number of people in their group. They must also consult climbing websites to get up-to-date information on local climbing sites," he said.

Trekkers are also advised to bring a means of communication, such as a satellite phone. "A whistle could also be useful to attract attention, and take food items on their hike," Brigadier Al Kizi added.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com