UAE steps up relief efforts to Sudan

Planes carrying medical supplies, tents and blankets left for Khartoum

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The UAE has intensified its relief efforts to Sudan, where severe flooding has killed more than 100 people and left thousands homeless.

Several aircraft carrying relief materials such as medical supplies, tents and blankets left for the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, in the past few days.

The aid is being co-ordinated by Emirates Red Crescent, and the UAE’s Dar Al Bar association has also launched an urgent campaign.

Sudan last week declared a three-month state of emergency over the flooding and the Emirates swung into action, with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, leading humanitarian efforts.

epa08656122 A child fishing in floods water in the Umm Dum area, east of Khartoum, Sudan, 08 September 2020. The Nile’s flooding usually helps farmers in boosting the fertility of their lands, but this year the flooding is so severe that it has caused a dire situation in Sudan, the flood killed at least 100 people, injured dozens and left thousands homeless. Reports add that the floods threaten Sudan’s ancient archeological sites.  EPA/MOHAMMED ABU OBAID
Sudan's worst flooding for a century has left thousands without homes and claimed the lives of more than 100 people. EPA    

“We stand in solidarity with Sudan following the devastating floods,” Sheikh Mohamed said. “Our sincere condolences go out to the families of the victims, and we pray for the swift recovery of the injured. Our thoughts remain with the Sudanese people during these difficult times.”

The UN said the floods affected more than half a million people and destroyed or damaged tens of thousands of homes.

Khartoum, North Darfur, in the country’s west, and Sennar in the south were the worst-hit states.

The UAE also sent field medical teams to Sudan backed up by remote support from the the Emirates.