Emirates Red Crescent sends aid to quake-hit Nepal

ABU DHABI -- Emirates Red Crescent Authority (ERC) has completed its preparations to dispatch urgent humanitarian aid to those affected by Nepal's earthquake.

The move follows the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and follow up by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region and Chairman of the ERC.

The ERC announced that it would do what it takes to implement the directives of the leadership to assist the victims of the earthquake disaster and help mitigate the repercussions of the tragedy.

Dr. Hamdan Mussalam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ERC, said, "The directives of the leadership to assist those affected by the quake in Nepal come within the framework of humanitarian and moral responsibility shouldered by the UAE to alleviate the suffering of victims worldwide. It is also part of the development efforts led by the UAE in the developing and natural disaster-prone regions."

He added, "The UAE's strategy and plans in this respect meet humanitarian and basic needs worldwide."

Al Mazrouei noted that the UAE leadership and people are following with great concern the humanitarian repercussions of the earthquake disaster, stressing that assisting vulnerable people currently facing a tough humanitarian plight is a duty that does not stop at certain limits or countries, because humanity is greater than the borders and languages, adding that the UAE's support to the homeless and displaced people affected by disasters and crises "is a true expression of the noble sentiments of the people of UAE towards people in need throughout the globe."

He commended the AED5 million donation of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, to help the victims of the earthquake.

Dr. Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, secretary-general of ERC, said the two ERC delegations left the country for Nepal upon the orders of Sheikh Hamdan to oversee the ERC relief operations there. -end-