Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai (SB)
Dubai, Aug 18: Assuring moral support to flood-affected people of Kerala, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president of UAE and the ruler of Dubai tweeted in Malayalam language on Saturday, August 18.
“Brothers and sisters, Kerala state in India is passing through a great flood. This is the deadliest flood of the century. Hundreds have died and thousands of people have become homeless. As a prelude to Eid al-Adha, do not forget to extend the helping hand in India,” he tweeted along with two rescue photos.
Once the tweet came from ruler, thousands of re-tweeted it and showed their concern towards Kerala. Same words he posted in Facebook also. “To help the victims, UAE and Indian community will stand together. We have formed a committee for emergency help to Kerala. I request all kindly to contribute to the relief fund. The people of Kerala are part of our success story. So we have the responsibility to help them and show our gratitude,” he continued.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Earlier UAE president and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheik Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, sent a cable message to Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, conveying his condolences for the deaths in Kerala floods. Then he instructed to form a National Emergency Committee to help Kerala under Emirates Red Crescent (ERC). The committee includes the listed humanitarian organizations of UAE.
Sharjah ruler Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi has donated Rs 4 crore to help Kerala victims on Saturday.
Hundreds of Malayalee associations in the Gulf countries, from church prayer groups to arts and cultural outfits, have also come together to raise funds. An amount of Rs 100 crore is expected, a source said. .
Meanwhile India's ambassador to the UAE, Navdeep Singh Suri, said that he will chair a meeting tomorrow with community organizations, activists and business leaders to coordinate relief support to Kerala from UAE.