Families face further uncertainty as flood threat continues

Fujairah/Kalba: Over 2,000 people, evacuated from flooded areas in Kalba, have been moved to hotel rooms and apartments in Fujairah with some still awaiting transfer to similar facilities in Sharjah.

The Institute of Applied Technology in Fujairah has become the nerve centre for all evacuee assistance as an army of volunteers work around the clock to provide the families with due care and attention.

Evacuees who were initially moved to local schools in Kalba, have all now been relocated to the IAT buildings, which at its peak - on Wednesday evening - had to deal with 1200 evacuees.

Armed forces units and Red Crescent volunteers from Fujairah and Sharjah, are being ably supported by staff and students from the Institute of Applied Technology in Fujairah and other sites.

Despite the huge efforts by volunteers, some families complained of shortages of services such as suitable food.
However, despite many being grateful to the assistance some evacuees said they are not being informed of developments whether in their immediate accommodation plans or the prospect of returning to their homes.

Marwa Sandar is one of 25 individuals, forming the 4 families at one of IAT's classroom come temporary shelter, and she said she only managed two hours sleep last night at the centre and hopes for better accommodation.

Marwa said: “There are people here with diabetes and one woman recently had surgery in her back so sleeping on mattresses on the floor is not an ideal situation for everyone''.
Earlier at the Qudwa School in Kalba, families were also complaining of conditions.

Ohood Abdul Aziz, said her family were only left with the clothes on their back and were not able to retrieve any of their belongings.

Dr. John Mortimer, Principal of the Institute of Applied Technology in Fujairah, is part of the leading team organizing the relief effort for evacuees.

He says he is satisfied with the overall crises management by the different agencies involved, despite some difficulties faced regarding food supply.

“We're getting our supplies from a food caterer in Fujairah, but he may well be struggling with the large amount of food requested while trying to keep the rest of his restaurant business going,'' said Dr John.

The Principal wished to thank the armed forces, in particular, who he says have met every request for medicine and equipments and even supplied nurses.