Gulf | Oman
Individuals and private firms reach out as aid pours in for Gonu victims
Tonnes of relief materials and cash are pouring in for relief work that is in full swing in Oman in the aftermath of cyclone Gonu.
- By Sunil K. Vaidya, Bureau Chief
- Published: 00:00 June 14, 2007
- Image Credit: Brian Espinosa/Gulf News
- Volunteers of Dar Al Atta charity organisation stock relief materials in Al Khuwair, Oman. We are working overtime to help the needy, says the spokesperson of the charity body.
Muscat: Tonnes of relief materials and cash are pouring in for relief work that is in full swing in Oman in the aftermath of cyclone Gonu.
Besides the government, individuals, charity organisations and social groups are working overtime to help people who have lost almost everything in the cyclone.
"We are working from 7am to midnight everyday to ensure those in need have food, shelter, bedding and clothes," Ikhlas Al Hashemi, spokesperson for Dar Al Atta (House of Giving), told Gulf News yesterday.
"We have employed 150 vehicles to reach out to people in remote areas as well," Ikhlas said, adding that 60 volunteers were working tirelessly from the day the cyclone stuck.
Shelter
The charity coordinates with two relief camps set up at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex at Baushar and at the Mohanna Bin Sultan School.
Ikhlas said over 1,000 people are being provided shelter and food at these camps. "Our volunteers go from house to house to extend help wherever possible."
Ikhlas said response from the residents has been overwhelming. "People are coming forward wholeheartedly and a company even donated 10,000 Omani riyals for the relief work."
Sultan Qaboos Bin Saeed of Oman started a fund for Gonu relief work with an initial amount of seven million Omani riyals (about Dh66.9 million) and Bank Dhofar added one million riyals to the fund on Tuesday even as others joined in.
Remote areas
Oman Charitable Organisation (OCO) has also swung into action by taking relief material to remote areas. However, with most of the OCO officials busy coordinating relief activities, no one was available to comment when Gulf News tried to contact them.
Nawras, Oman's second mobile phone service provider, has also sent teams to areas in Sur and Quriyat to tackle the communication needs.
The Indian community has also stepped in by setting up relief centres and water distribution points.
Two Indian firms, Galfar and Teejan, along with Hindu Mahajan Association joined hands in relief work.
Coordinated by the Indian embassy, teams were formed from the Indian community, residing in Oman for over years, to help in relief work in Sur and Quriyat, which are still reeling under the flood waters.
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