Muscat – Days of relentless rainfall triggered by a low-pressure system have battered parts of Oman, with at least 10 people reported dead while dozens have been rescued as wadis overflowed and floodwaters swept through residential and low-lying areas.

Amid the devastation, stories of courage and humanity have emerged, with ordinary individuals stepping forward in extraordinary ways to save lives.

One such story that has drawn widespread attention is that of 25-year-old Shahzad Khan, a blue-collar worker from Peshawar, Pakistan, currently working in Barka. A video of his rescue has gone viral on social media, earning praise from across communities.

The incident occurred on Sunday around 4pm in Barka, where heavy rains had caused a wadi to overflow. According to Khan, a crowd of hundreds had gathered, many recording videos of the swollen wadi when the incident unfolded.

Khan said, “Suddenly, we saw a car attempting to cross, but it got stuck. People were watching and making videos, but I could see passengers inside crying for help.”

Without hesitation, Khan — visible in a red kurta in the video — jumped onto the vehicle, which was already half-submerged. His first attempt to break the windows using his legs failed. He then used stones to shatter the glass.

“I didn’t think of anything — no nationality, no religion. I just saw people in danger,” he said. “One man was already sinking and the other was struggling. Water had already filled half the car.”

Khan managed to pull both occupants — Indian nationals — to safety, preventing what could have been a fatal incident. “God gave me the responsibility and the courage. It was pure instinct. I just acted,” he said.

His act has been widely applauded, particularly at a time when many bystanders remained spectators. Shandar Bukhari, Social Welfare Director at the Pakistan Social Club, said Khan’s bravery came to light through social media.

“We verified the incident and reached out to him. His efforts are truly commendable, and we will ensure he is recognised both by the embassy and within the community once the situation stabilises,” Bukhari said.