UAE | Environment
Hundreds of flood-hit families relocated
Aid agency leads crisis response with opening up of schools in Fujairah along with emergency stores of food and water.
- By Zoi Constantine, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:38 May 3, 2009
Dubai: The UAE's primary humanitarian organisation assisted in the evacuation of around 500 people from Kalba which bore the brunt of cyclone Gonu on Wednesday, initially relocating them to schools in the area.
The UAE Red Crescent Authority (RCA) continued its humanitarian efforts yesterday, in line with instructions issued by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and RCA Chairman.
“We opened five schools, with around 30 families in each school,'' said RCA's manager in Fujairah, Suhail Al Qadi, speaking via telephone from Kalba. “Those affected, including elderly people, women and children, were evacuated after the sea rose to their homes, particularly in Suhaila.''
According to Al Qadi, the affected families were “okay'', but some were a little rattled by the experience. “Some are nervous but we have assured them that everything will be alright and we are doing whatever we can to give them assistance,'' he said.
Most of those affected, including UAE nationals, Indians and Pakistanis, were transferred to hotels in Fujairah late on Wednesday.
Around 70 volunteers were stationed in Kalba on Wednesday, Al Qadi added, some of whom travelled from Sharjah, Dubai and other emirates to assist.
RCA initiated the emergency crisis response on Monday, which included opening all schools in the Fujairah area, emergency stores of food and water as well as mobilising vehicles should they be needed in evacuations.
“We are presently coordinating with all of the relevant bodies, including the police, civil defence and Fujairah Municipality. We are urging people not to be worried because we are ready,'' Al Qadi said.
According to a statement issued by Khalifa Nasser Al Suwaidi, chairman of the RCA's board, RCA has declared a “state of emergency'' in affected areas and has set up a round-the-clock operation team.
An operation room at Al Gou', 120 kilometers from Al Ain, was also set up.
According to RCA's Abu Dhabi spokesperson, the organisation has also been in contact with their counterparts in Oman and are ready to provide help if required.
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