Pakistani expat rescues two Indians from floodwaters in Oman as video goes viral l

A Pakistani expatriate in Oman has drawn attention online after rescuing two Indian nationals from a car caught in floodwaters near Barka, with footage of the incident circulating widely on social media.

The rescue took place on Sunday around 4pm as heavy rainfall linked to a low-pressure system affected parts of Oman, where at least 10 people were reported dead and several others rescued after wadis overflowed and floodwaters spread through residential and low-lying areas, according to Muscat Daily.

The rescuer was identified as 25-year-old Shahzad Khan, a worker from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa based in Barka. He said a large crowd had gathered near the flooded wadi, many recording videos, when a vehicle attempting to cross the water became trapped in the current.

He said he saw passengers inside the car calling for help while others stood at a distance. In footage shared online, he is seen climbing onto the partially submerged vehicle and attempting to break the windows.

He said his initial effort to break the glass with his legs was unsuccessful, after which he used stones to shatter it. He added that he did not consider identities at the time and focused on reaching those inside the vehicle.

BBC Urdu reported that the car was carried by the current before stopping after hitting a bridge pillar. An eyewitness said the man ran toward the vehicle despite attempts by others to stop him, and stones were handed to him to break the window.

He said around 300 to 400 people were present at the site, but the strength of the water prevented others from approaching the vehicle.

He also referred to a previous flooding incident in Swat, where people trapped in rising water were not rescued in time, saying the memory influenced his decision to act.

The Swat incident last year involved 17 members of a family from Sialkot who were swept away after a sudden rise in water levels in the Swat River while they were near the riverbank. Videos showed the group stranded for an extended period before being carried away.

The rescuer was able to pull both occupants out of the vehicle with assistance from people standing above, who helped bring them to safety.

A representative of the Pakistan Social Club said the incident came to wider attention through social media and confirmed that efforts were underway to recognise the act through official and community channels once conditions stabilise.