By: Jangsu
A 57-year-old shepherd’s bravery saved the lives of eight members of a neighbouring family and their cattle during the recent floods induced by a cloudburst in the Drad area of Tehsil Puran.
Sher Malik, a poor man who is professionally a shepherd, was at home on the night of August 14-15 when he heard screams and calls for help from his neighbours, who had no male members present at the time.
“My house is located on the upper side of the stream, and the stranded family lived nearby, which meant their house was surrounded by floodwaters, trapping children, women, and cattle,” Sher Malik explained.
Describing that difficult night, Mr. Malik said he rushed to the neighbours’ home and first evacuated the children, followed by the stranded women, directing them to his house for safety.
“They asked me to save our cattle as well, or we would suffer even more. I took the risk again, as the water had nearly submerged the house. While rescuing a goat, the roof collapsed on me,” he recounted.
The brave shepherd shared that the roof was made of stainless steel sheets, which severely cut his hand. Despite bleeding from his injured arm, he remained conscious. “I was stuck in the debris for about three hours while the water continued to flow rapidly around me. However, I managed to free myself with tremendous effort, while my family called for help from local mosques,” he continued.
Sher Malik was then moved back to his home, where his family applied cloth to his injury. Unfortunately, his hand was lost in the collapse and was later found and buried. He was transported to a hospital in Peshawar on a charpoy with the help of local community members and relatives, where he underwent surgery.
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When asked about risking his life to save his neighbours, he said it was his duty, as a Muslim, a human being, and a neighbour, to help save their lives. He believed that if he hadn’t been there, they might have perished like many others who were swept away by the flood in the area during that time.
Mr Malik, who relies on his few cattle for his livelihood, mentioned that local people have been supporting him with medical treatment and food. He has recently returned home from Peshawar following his recovery. Many visitors have come to check on his health, commending his bravery and urging the government to provide him with financial assistance to support him during this difficult time.
