The Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, on Saturday came out in support for the state of Kerala, which has been hit by heavy rains and floods.
“The state of Kerala in India is currently witnessing huge floods, the most devastating in a century. Hundreds have been killed, hundreds of thousands have been displaced. Ahead of Eid Al Adha, do not forget to extend a helping hand to our brothers in India,” tweeted Sheikh Mohammed along with pictures of people being rescued in Kerala.
He went on to say, “UAE and the Indian community will unite to offer relief to those affected. We have formed a committee to start immediately. We urge everyone to contribute generously towards this initiative.”
Sheikh Mohammed said that they have the responsibility to help and support the affected people, especially during these holy days leading up to Eid Al Adha.
“The people of Kerala have always been and are still part of our success story in the UAE,” siad Sheikh Mohammed.
According to a report by Khaleej Times, President of UAE Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has ordered the formation of an emergency committee, headed by Sheikh Mohammed, to look into providing relief assistance to people affected by floods in Kerala.
The state of Kerala in India is currently witnessing huge floods, the most devastating in a century. Hundreds have been killed, hundreds of thousands have been displaced. Ahead of Eid Al Adha, do not forget to extend a helping hand to our brothers in India. pic.twitter.com/cHe4CWzrpO
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 17, 2018
UAE and the Indian community will unite to offer relief to those affected. We have formed a committee to start immediately. We urge everyone to contribute generously towards this initiative. pic.twitter.com/7a4bHadWqa
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 17, 2018
The people of Kerala have always been and are still part of our success story in the UAE. We have a special responsibility to help and support those affected, especially during this holy and blessed days pic.twitter.com/ZGom5A6WRy
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 17, 2018
Even as a week has passed by since the state of Kerala has been hit by rains, certain areas in the state does not seem to have respite from the crisis.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reiterated on Friday evening that the flood situation in the state continues to be serious even as intense rescue operations have managed to bring over 80,000 people to safety.
Addressing a press conference on Friday evening at the capital, Thiruvananthapuram, he said that 82,442 people had been rescued on Friday, primarily with the help of navy and fisherfolks' boats.
According to official figures, 71,591 people had been rescued from Aluva district, 5,550 from Chalakudy, 3,060 from Chengannur, 2,000 from Kuttanad, and 741 from Thiruvalla and Aranmula.
The Chief Minister also confirmed that the 324 people had died in the floods between the start of the south-west monsoon May 29 and the morning of August 17.