UAE announces additional $50-million aid for earthquake victims in Syria

The UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has ordered that an additional $50-million aid be provided to earthquake victims in Syria, according to a statement issued on Wednesday.

Out of this sum, $20 million will go to the implementation of humanitarian projects, which will be carried out in coordination with the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs (UN Ocha). The fund is part of the UAE's ongoing efforts to support the Syrian people, in response to the UN's emergency appeal.

The Emirates was among the first countries to send help to Turkey and Syria when the deadly earthquake rocked the region on February 6. Besides flying aid planes to the two countries, it had set up field hospitals and deployed emergency response teams who have now been saving lives in miraculous rescues.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed had previously directed the provision of $50 million to aid those affected by the earthquake in Syria, and an additional $50 million to help people in Turkey.

For the 10th consecutive day, the UAE is sending relief supplies — with a total of 70 flights arriving so far in the two countries.

Thirty-eight flights have so far delivered 1,243 metric tonnes of food and medical aid to Syria. These include 2,893 tents, which are enough to shelter around 20,000 people. Forty-two rescuers were also deployed to the country.

In Turkey, 32 cargo flights carrying relief have arrived. These include medical equipment, supplies, and 927 shelter materials, enough to help 5,000 beneficiaries. Ninety-two UAE rescuers are on the ground, carrying out search-and-rescue missions in Kahramanmaraş.

A field hospital was also opened in the İslahiye district of Gaziantep, Turkey, with an in-patient ward comprising 50 fully equipped beds, operating rooms, and a medical team of 75 doctors, nurses, and assistants. Another 200-bed hospital was recently completed in the Hatay province.

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