King commends heroic actions by young Jordanians during rainstorm

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday commended the heroic conduct of Jordanians who assisted families during the recent rainstorm.

"I am proud of you. Your courage is a source of inspiration and pride for all Jordanians," the King told Rakan Dawaimeh, Ahmad Nobani and Amer Manasir, who rescued people that were stranded in the recent floods.

During a meeting with the three men at Al Husseiniya Palace, His Majesty said the courage they showed during the downpour was proof of their love for their homeland, a Royal Court statement said.

"You represent a model of bravery and courage," the King said, as he thanked them and expressed his appreciation of all those who risked their lives to rescue their brothers and sisters on that day.

During the November 5 storm, heavy rain flooded several streets and some buildings in the capital, endangering people's lives.

At the meeting with the three men, King Abdullah thanked them for assisting official departments and institutions by voluntarily engaging in rescue efforts, the statement said.

The King directed the government to draw up a mechanism, as soon as possible, to extend aid to families whose homes were damaged and who incurred losses during the storm, mainly those with limited income.

During the storm, Dawaimeh and Nobani rescued a family of six members whose home was entirely flooded in Hai Nazzal.

After water surrounded the house with the family inside, Dawaimeh and Nobani removed the window’s iron grill and saved the family.

Manasir, who works at the Jordan Customs Department, saved the life of an elderly man who was stranded in his car, which was submerged in floodwater in Abdali.

Manasir also helped several other citizens, with his co-workers following his example and also lending a helping hand, the statement said.

Dawaimeh, Nobani and Manasir said they were overwhelmed by the Royal gesture, noting that it will be an incentive for them to further serve the country and its people.

Speaking to the Jordan News Agency, Petra, Manasir described what happened that day while he was at work at the customs department.

“After seeing the old man stranded in his car, I tied a rope around my body and pulled him with the help of my colleagues at work,” he said.

Nobani also told Petra about the rescue operation.

“We had to do something as the house was four metres below the street level and the children were scared.”

Dawaimeh said they were not afraid because they wanted to help others.