Friday March 31, 2023
Mogadishu (HOL) - A mother of five children died on Thursday night after the vehicle she was riding in became trapped in floodwaters in Hargeisa Valley, local reports said.
Najah was a passenger in a Pro Box car, and the incident reportedly occurred after the driver attempted to cross the valley. Eyewitnesses tried to persuade the driver not to cross the valley due to the flooding, but the driver insisted on proceeding, believing he could make it through.
One witness recounted that Najah pleaded for help, saying, "Brothers and sisters, don't you feel sorry for me? Please rescue me." The witness explained that they could not save her because of the water's strength and instead encouraged her to have faith in Allah.
Both the driver and the child Najah was carrying managed to escape the floodwaters by swimming to the valley bank. However, it has been reported that the fire department, trained to rescue people in water emergencies, arrived late to the accident scene.
Despite efforts by Najah's relatives to find her body, it has not yet been located. One family member stated that they had not received government assistance in the aftermath of the tragedy.