A young family has been forced to temporarily move in with relatives after parts of their inherited home in Isa Town collapsed following heavy rainfall early yesterday morning.
The incident occurred in Block 814, Road 1428, in one of the older residential pockets of the town, raising alarm over the safety of several ageing houses in the neighbourhood.
Hamad Al Bahri, 32, a Bapco Energies employee, said he, his 29-year-old wife and their two-year-old son narrowly avoided what could have been a tragedy.
He shares ownership of the home with three others who moved out years ago, giving him space while he has been waiting for a social housing allocation since 2019.
“It is God’s will that we were not home when it happened,” he said.
“We had gathered at my brother’s house in Hidd for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr and decided to extend until Saturday for joint meals. That saved us from an ill fate.”
Mr Al Bahri explained that he has now temporarily relocated his family to his brother’s home in Hidd, but the uncertainty surrounding their future continues to weigh heavily on him.
“I can’t continue sleeping in my brother’s living room with my wife and son. I can’t stay homeless forever,” he said.
According to him, the report issued by the Civil Defence at the Interior Ministry – which he is expected to officially receive on Sunday – confirms that the house is no longer fit for residency.
The collapse affected the garage roof of the house, which was built in 1978.
Rainwater accumulated overnight on the weakened structure, causing one of the supporting columns to shift before the roof gave way.
Fortunately, no one was inside the property at the time.
Mr Al Bahri confirmed that he received calls from both the Royal Humanitarian Foundation (RHF) and the Social Development Ministry offering temporary accommodation.
However, he is concerned about what comes next.
“Temporary housing is appreciated, but until when?” he asked. “I need a permanent solution for my family.”
Southern Municipal Council member Mubarak Faraj, who represents the area, said the house is among several ageing properties facing similar structural risks.
“I have previously submitted requests to the relevant authorities regarding the condition of these houses, whether for restoration or demolition, but have yet to receive a response,” he said.
He warned that continued weather fluctuations and rainfall could trigger similar incidents if urgent inspections are not carried out.
“When the collapse happened, large volumes of rainwater fell across the neighbourhood, leaving the area waterlogged. Other nearby homes face the same level of risk and I fear further collapses,” he added.
Mr Faraj said he is following up the case closely with authorities, thanking Social Development Minister Osama Al Alawi for his personal attention to the matter.
He said both the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry and the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry have been contacted to assess the wider situation in the area and take preventive measures.
“Residents hope the frightening incident will prompt swift inspections of old properties across Isa Town in a bid to have them demolished and rebuilt before another family faces a similar ordeal,” said Mr Faraj.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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