This article highlights the critical role of the Aoun Qatar rescue team in assisting individuals stranded in the desert during cooler months. It depicts real-life rescue operations, illustrating the team’s readiness to respond to various distress calls, and emphasizes the importance of community involvement in ensuring the safety of desert explorers.
In Qatar, desert rescues have become essential as holidaymakers frequent the sandy dunes during cooler months. Recently, Raghdan Salem Zodeh, a Syrian expatriate, found his SUV caught in rising tides near Sealine resort. Fortunately, volunteers from the Aoun Qatar rescue team arrived promptly, using towing cables to extract his vehicle. Zodeh praised the team, stating, “The guys here are all chivalrous; they are all helpful.” His experience reflects a common occurrence among those venturing into the desert on weekends.
As winter approaches, the number of individuals exploring Qatar’s desert increases, resulting in heightened demand for rescue services. The Aoun Qatar team, one of several volunteer groups authorized by the government, fields between 100 to 200 calls weekly, primarily for drivers stranded in sand or mud. Mohammed Essa Yousif, a team leader, noted that rescues involving submerged vehicles are more challenging, often necessitating specialized equipment and teamwork for extraction.
Aoun Qatar comprises 35 members, all trained in first aid and equipped with necessary rescue tools, including towing gear and medical supplies. The complexity of rescues can escalate to joint efforts with government helicopters or divers. Tareq Ali Saleh, another team leader, described the urgency of their missions, particularly when calls come in with scant information. In one instance, rescuers faced a daunting task of retrieving a vehicle almost entirely submerged, necessitating a wait for the tide to recede.
The team’s operations can have serious consequences, as illustrated by a recent call where they were unable to locate a stranded individual, who tragically succumbed before help arrived. On a typical evening call, Hassan Rageb, an Iranian resident, awaited assistance for his caravan and car stuck in the sand, revealing the trepidation that can accompany these excursions. New team member Saad Abdulrehman Ansari expressed pride in offering aid, highlighting the community spirit that defines the Aoun Qatar rescue team in such challenging environments.
In conclusion, the demand for desert rescue services in Qatar has significantly risen during the cooler months, reflecting the increasing popularity of outdoor activities. The Aoun Qatar rescue team plays a vital role, expertly assisting stranded drivers and navigating urgent situations that can arise from challenging conditions. Through their dedicated efforts, these volunteers ensure the safety of individuals exploring the desert, underlining the importance of community support and preparedness in recreational pursuits.
Original Source: www.al-monitor.com
