DUBAI // Emergency kits, water purification units, blankets, solar lamps and food items are part of the 90 metric tonnes of aid that was packed into the first aircraft that took off on Tuesday from the UAE to earthquake-struck Nepal.
Four hundred and fifty tonnes of aid will be taken in several flights to Nepal, according to Wam, the state news agency.
The aid will also cover water storage and distribution units, tents, tarpaulin, jerry cans, buckets, plastic sheets and technology equipment.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, ordered the supply of relief to victims.
The supplies will include a donation of 100,000 units of Salma Halal Food, which are ready-to-eat meals for emergency responses.
The relief will be organised by the International Humanitarian City in coordination with United Nations agencies, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent and other global humanitarian organisations.
A shortage of potable water, food and hygiene risk has been caused by the earthquake, according to international agencies, prompting the Nepalese government to appeal for international assistance.
The UNHCR, IFRC and nine UNHRD partners including World Health Organisation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy, World Vision International, Save the Children, Unicef, Catholic Relief Services Adventist Development and Relief Agency and World Food Programme will send aid shipments via the air support network that is being coordinated by the UAE’s IHC.
“The massive destruction Nepal people are facing requires immediate action and that’s what we count on through the support of the IHC members’ and all humanitarian agencies locally and internationally,” said ambassador Hamad Al Shamsi, the IHC board member who is supervising operations at the airport.
“The UAE’s leaders and people are well known for their humanitarian commitment and through the IHC, the biggest global logistics hub, we continue to lend a hand to people facing crises around the world.”
The Nepal government has requested international aid that includes teams with search and rescue capability, medical teams, supplies and tents for hospitals, heavy equipment to remove debris, helicopters for transport of injured and to access blocked areas, according to international aid agencies.
The contribution of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid will enable aid to reach the affected people and save more lives, said Shaima Al Zarooni, IHC’s chief executive and the taskforce operations leader. “We are honoured to follow the UAE leaders’ directions and be part of this humanitarian initiative.”
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