'Septuagenarian spent 20 years living in cave'

AMMAN — A team from Amen FM, the radio station of the Public Security Department (PSD), on Thursday found an elderly man who has been living in a cave in Balqa Governorate for the past two decades.

The 70-year-old man had been living in the cave in Wadi Shuaib in Balqa, some 35km northwest of Amman, for over 20 years, according to an officer at Amen FM who preferred to remain unnamed.

A citizen contacted the radio station and informed them about the man, the officer said, adding that a team from the radio station, PSD personnel and Social Development Ministry representatives went to the site of the cave on Thursday morning and found the man living there.

“The cave is situated in a very dangerous location. The man was living in a place that lacks the minimal basics for a decent life. He was exposed to the dangers of harsh weather, stray dogs and reptiles,” the PSD officer told The Jordan Times.

The elderly man has no family or relatives, he said, underscoring that the Ministry of Social Development will place him in one of its retirement homes.

“The man is now under the care of an area resident who volunteered to shelter, feed and care for him until Sunday, when the ministry will place him at a home for the elderly,” the officer highlighted.

The radio station will interview the man on Sunday, according to the officer, who noted that the station will also follow up on the care services he will be provided.

Amen FM published the story, and several photos of the man and the site of the cave on its official Facebook page.