The Aoun Qatar rescue team provides essential assistance to stranded motorists in the desert, responding to 100-200 calls weekly. Volunteers like Raghdan Zodeh share their experiences, reflecting on the team’s prompt help. The group’s training and resources are crucial for ensuring safety amidst increased desert traffic during the cooler months.
Raghdan Salem Zodeh, a Syrian resident of Qatar, experienced an adventurous moment when his SUV became stuck in sand and rising tides near Sealine resort. Fortunately, volunteers from the Aoun Qatar rescue team quickly helped him, showcasing their commitment to local motorists. Zodeh observed, “The guys here are all chivalrous, they are all helpful,” expressing gratitude after a brief wait for assistance.
During the cooler months, the desert attracts numerous expatriates, tourists, and locals who explore the area, which invariably leads to a higher demand for rescue operations. According to Mohammed Essa Yousif, a team leader of Aoun Qatar, they receive between 100 to 200 calls weekly, addressing various incidents ranging from vehicles stranded in sandy terrains to those submerged in water or stuck in mud.
Aoun Qatar is one of four volunteer groups conducting rescue operations under government oversight, comprising 35 well-trained members equipped with towing kits, medical supplies, and more. Some rescues necessitate collaboration with helicopters or divers, especially in critical incidents involving submerged vehicles. Team leader Tareq Ali Saleh highlighted the urgency of some missions and the need to act with limited information, recounting a recent call about a vehicle almost completely submerged.
As night fell at Sealine, Aoun Qatar responded to another call where Hassan Rageb, an Iranian citizen in Qatar, awaited assistance for his car and caravan, which had become stuck. He admitted to feeling nervous, stating, “I got scared because this is the first time that happened to me, and my family is with me.” Saad Abdulrehman Ansari, a newer team member, expressed pride in providing support to those in need in challenging conditions, emphasizing the mission of the rescue team in the desert.
In conclusion, the volunteer rescue teams in Qatar play a crucial role in providing timely assistance to stranded motorists amidst the scenic yet challenging desert landscape. Their dedicated service, marked by quick response times and effective rescue techniques, highlights the essential support offered to both locals and visitors during the winter months. Their commitment to safety ensures that adventures in the Qatari desert can remain both enjoyable and secure.
Original Source: www.al-monitor.com
