UAE's Red Crescent Opens 300 Homes In Syria For Earthquake Victims

The United Arab Emirates has initiated a new phase in its humanitarian and development efforts aimed at assisting those impacted by the earthquake in Syria last February. This phase includes the inauguration of numerous housing units and the refurbishment of various educational, health, and infrastructure facilities. The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) has played a pivotal role in these initiatives, marking a significant step forward in Operation "Gallant Knight 2".

As part of this operation, the ERC has unveiled 300 housing units across three different sites. These units are part of a broader project to construct 1,000 housing units in Latakia Governorate, aiming to provide shelter for 1,500 individuals affected by the earthquake. The opening ceremony saw the presence of Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, Acting Secretary-General of ERC, alongside notable figures such as Hassan Ahmad Al Shihi, UAE Ambassador to Syria; Dr. Hassan Muhammad Al Ghabash, Minister of Health of Syria; and Amer Hilal, Governor of Latakia.

Furthermore, the ERC delegation laid the foundation for an additional housing project that will feature 500 prefabricated units. This project also includes the construction of a school complex, a commercial centre, a mosque, and a medical centre, complemented by essential infrastructure services.

During their visit to Syria, the ERC delegation also received a relief ship carrying 196 tonnes of medical equipment and supplies. This shipment is part of a larger effort that includes buses and an aircraft loaded with medical aid and medicines to bolster the government and medical sectors in Syria.

In its commitment to improving living conditions in the earthquake-affected regions, the ERC has significantly contributed to the health sector in Latakia Governorate. By providing high-quality medical equipment and supplies, including 10 buses, medical furniture, consumables, and medicines valued at AED 40 million, the ERC has supported 7 hospitals serving over 9 million people.

The education sector has also seen substantial improvements with the repair and renovation of 40 schools in Latakia, benefiting 20,000 students across all levels. Additionally, Tishreen University received maintenance support through the "Education Knights" initiative, which provided 277 computers, 204 desks, 60 chairs for dentistry studies, and six mobile X-ray devices to aid 30,000 students.

In terms of relief efforts, the ERC continues to deliver food aid, medical supplies, and medicines by air and sea to those affected by the earthquake. These efforts underscore the UAE's dedication to supporting Syrian people in overcoming the challenges posed by natural disasters.

Commitment to Humanitarian Responsibility

Rashid Al Mansouri emphasized that these projects and initiatives reflect the ERC's commitment to its humanitarian responsibility towards the Syrian population. The aim is not only to improve their living conditions but also to enable them to surmount the difficulties brought about by the earthquake. He also highlighted that more phases of these projects are underway and will soon be inaugurated in various locations.

This comprehensive approach by the UAE through its humanitarian arm, the Emirates Red Crescent, showcases a steadfast commitment to aiding those in need while fostering resilience and recovery in communities devastated by natural disasters.

With inputs from WAM