Kerala floods: UAE provides relief assistance

Abu Dhabi [UAE], Aug. 18 (ANI): Extending their support to the people affected by flash floods in Kerala, United Arab Emirates (UAE) has formed a committee to provide relief to the southern state.

UAE Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum took to Twitter to make the announcement and urged "everyone to contribute generously towards this initiative."

To be chaired by the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), the national emergency committee will include representatives from the UAE's humanitarian organisations, according to Gulf News.

"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" his first tweet read.

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum further wrote, "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."

Describing the situation in Kerala as "the most devastating in a century," the UAE Prime Minister added, "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."

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan also expressed his grief and extended condolences to President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the loss of lives and damages in the Kerala floods.

Kerala has been witnessing incessant rainfall over the last few days, causing unprecedented flooding and landslides in several parts of the state. So far, 324 people have lost their lives due to the floods.(ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI