News
Student wishes he could have saved others in Ampara flood tragedy
View(s):Student-turned-rescuer Hamas Ahamed moved fast when a farm tractor and trailer carrying 10 students was swept up in a flood in Ampara District this week. He saved two lives this past Tuesday.
Another student’s body was recovered early today, the Police said.
As students were sent in batches of 8-10 on a trailer pulled by a farm tractor to cross the road from Karaitivu junction, Ahamed was awaiting his turn when the tragedy unfolded.
Students were transported in batches as roads were under water. (Above) Some roads are still inundated. (Right) The tractor being salvaged.
A second batch of students had begun crossing the flood after the first batch of six students had reached the other end safely.
“They were drowning and shouting for help. Nobody went. Our principal was pleading with everyone to do something to save the students, including military officers who were at the scene. I removed my jippa (trouser) and jumped into the water,” Ahamed said.
He broke down, recalling the incident: “I was able to save only two students. I tried to save others, but unfortunately I could not. They were calling my name… I cannot sleep anymore.”
“I don’t know where I got that courage from Allah, the almighty. I struggled to locate the students against water flow while ensuring my safety. Eventually, I gave up trying to grab something but found a tree branch near a kovil in the Kalmunai area. I managed to stabilise myself, and people in the nearby area rescued him.” 
After Ahamed explained the tragedy, locals in the Karaitivu area began a search on a boat and rescued another student.
“I will not forget them for their help. I plan to go and meet them to express my gratitude. My only request for all is to engage in dua (pray) for the missing children. We were on the bus having a great time, and then this happened,” he said.
A student of Kashiful Uloom Arabic College, Nindavur, Ahamed is a self-taught swimmer from Irakkamam, where he used to go swimming with his friends in local ponds and rivers without his parents’ knowledge.
“I gained the courage to save the two children from my swimming practice. I think swimming is a life-saving skill, and everyone needs to learn it to protect themselves,” he said.
The school had declared a holiday on Tuesday evening, and a van was made available, but since the road was flooded from Karaitivu junction, the principal then had arranged for a farm tractor with a trailer. The flood had overpowered the tractor and trailer carrying students, along with two civilians and their motorbike.
Five students were rescued, while the bodies of 8, including 6 students, the 18-year-old driver, and a civilian were recovered by Friday.
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