RCA offers temporary housing

Dubai: Hundreds evacuated from their homes as a result of Cyclone Gonu, were yesterday relocated to temporary housing at an academic institution on the outskirts of Fujairah.

Click here to see the direction of Gonu (pdf)

Men, women and children, have been temporarily housed at the large compound of the Fujairah branch of the Institute of Applied Technology, according to the UAE's Red Crescent Authority (RCA).

"Today the situation in Fujairah is much better, especially as the sea is calmer. Kalba is still affected, and we have transferred everyone whose houses were impacted to the institute in Fujairah, about 1200 in total," said Suhail Al Qady, manager of the RCA in Fujairah, adding that no one had sustained injuries in the evacuation.

Hussain al Hamadi, chairman of the Board of the Trustees of the Institutes of Applied Technology, said those affected were being housed in classrooms on the large campus.

Segregated areas for families, woman and children were set-up, along with special facilities for the elderly. Doctors and nurses were on hand to provide any medical care necessary.

"We were motivated by the need to help those affected and to support them - this is part of our culture in the UAE and the culture of our institute," Al Hamadi told Gulf News. "We are open to having them stay at the institute for as long as they need."

In addition to the food and shelter provided, a playground was set-up for the children, along with internet access.

Meanwhile the UAE Ministry of Social Affairs has opened ten social development centres in Sharjah and Fujairah for those affected by Gonu, Abdullah Al Suwaidi undersecretary at the Ministry said yesterday.

"The relief committee will start estimating the losses immediately after the storm finishes, and a report will be submitted to the cabinet to ask for a budget to compensate for the losses," said Al Suwaidi, adding that the top priority will be given to fishermen whose boats were damaged by the storm.

Additional inputs by Wafa Issa, Staff Reporter

Rescue teams on high alert

Sharjah Municipality yesterday issued a high alert to rescue teams in areas affected by Gonu, particularly Kalba and Khorfakkan. The municipality has provided equipment to remove wreckage and drain water in various areas, including Sur Kalba and Suhaila. Sharjah Municipality offered its services through providing tankers and more than sixty vehicles to pump water from streets and houses, in addition to removing fallen trees.

By Mariam M. Al Serkal, Staff Reporter