JEDDAH — A young Saudi rescued seven members of his family and more than 10 other women and children trapped in floodwaters before drowning in Tamaya valley in Rabigh region. Owaidah Al-Zibali was married with two children, his father, Ahmad Al-Harbi, told Al-Madinah newspaper. At least 10 people were killed in flashfloods that hit the Rabigh region last Sunday. A huge crowd of mourners attended the burial services of the victims in Tamaya village, 35 km east of Rabigh governorate in the Makkah province. All 10 were swept away while the attempting to cross the valley. Some 25 others were trapped in the Wadi Hijr close to the site. “My son was humble and well mannered, and was liked by everyone who knew him,” said the distraught father. “Owaidah was on his way to the market with his wife, two children and four brothers when the rains started, abruptly flooding the streets. Sensing the danger, he left his car and took his wife and children as well as his four siblings to safety. However, he did not leave the scene and insisted on rescuing others trapped in the floodwaters,” he added. Al-Harbi said his son was destined to die on that fateful day. “Owaidah was one of the first to respond to the desperate calls for help by people trapped in the valley and risk his life by participating in rescue attempts in those alarming conditions.” Yaser Al-Oufi, another youth who took part in the rescue effort and survived after being trapped in the floodwaters for hours, said he and Owaidah were holding on to a signpost on the side of the road when a dirt dam burst. A forceful wave separated them and Owaidah was swept away, he added. Yaser's brother Yousuf also drowned during the rescue. Al-Harbi called on the Emir of Makkah to instruct concerned authorities to construct bridge across Tamaya valley to avoid future disasters. Senior citizens in the village said the tragedy is a repeat of a flashflood that hit the area 25 years ago killing three local residents. — SG
