UAE provides urgent aid to support civilians affected by wildfires in Greece

Abu Dhabi: The UAE, through its humanitarian arm, Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), is providing urgent aid to support civilians affected by wildfires in Greece.

The UAE also assisted in the efforts aimed at suppressing the fires, by deploying a helicopter to contain the wildfires on the borders of the Greek capital, Athens. The aid is being provided upon the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and in implementation of the orders of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, under the monitoring of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the ERC.

In a few hours' time, an Emirati aircraft loaded with food, health supplies, children’s food supplements and firefighting materials, such as firefighting clothing, pumps, water hoses and relevant accessories, will leave the country to Greece.

Dr Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, the ERC secretary-general, said the directives of the UAE’s leadership underscore the country’s solidarity with the government and people of Greece in addressing the unprecedented wildfires in the country. “This support highlights the UAE’s keenness to reduce the impact of the natural disaster taking place in Greece, as well as its unlimited solidarity with victims,” Al Falahi added, noting the ERC’s complete readiness to help in such situations.

Some of the aid material and equipment was provided by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), he added, while pointing out that phase one of the campaign will focus on providing firefighting material and shelter requirements, to be followed by other phases that will provide for the various needs of the Greek population.