In a devastating turn of events, Indian expatriate Sharada Iyer lost her life during a hiking expedition in Oman’s renowned Wadi Ghul canyon region. The incident, described by family as a “freak accident,” occurred at Jebel Shams, frequently dubbed the “Grand Canyon of Arabia” for its dramatic geological formations.
Sharada, an Omani resident originally from Kerala, India, was participating in the outdoor adventure when tragedy struck. Her sister Chitra Iyer, an accomplished Indian playback singer, confirmed the heartbreaking news through emotional social media tributes that captured their deep sibling bond despite their playful rivalry.
“What am I going to do? How will I ever carry on living without your annoying voice jabbering nonstop at the other end of the phone? Or screaming from the next room?” Chitra expressed in her moving online homage, accompanied by cherished photographs of her departed sister.
Arrangements are currently underway to repatriate Sharada’s remains to her native Kerala, where final rites have been scheduled for January 7 at the family’s ancestral home. The Indian expatriate community across the Gulf region has expressed profound sympathy for the grieving family.
The Wadi Ghul area, while offering spectacular vistas and challenging terrain for outdoor enthusiasts, presents significant safety considerations that adventure seekers must acknowledge. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of wilderness expeditions, even in popular tourist destinations.