UAE provides aid to flood-hit Kerala while Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu offers condolence to families of victims

New Delhi, August 18: Kerala is witnessing the worst flood of the century as 80 percent of the state is in disaster. The whole country is praying and helping Keralites in their hard times. On the other side, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have come forward to help Kerala. 

Notably, the UAE on Friday formed a committee to provide relief to the flood-hit areas of Kerala. The committee to help Kerala was formed on the instructions of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

To be chaired by Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), the national emergency committee will also include representatives from the UAE's humanitarian organizations.

He took to a Twitter to make the announcement and urged "everyone to contribute generously towards this initiative." "The people of Kerala have always been and are still part of our success story in the UAE. We have a special responsibility to help and support those affected, especially during this holy and blessed days" he said in a series of the tweet.

"UAE and the Indian community will unite to offer relief to those affected. We have formed a committee to start immediately. We urge everyone to contribute generously towards this initiative," Sheikh Khalifa added.

Describing the situation in Kerala as "the most devastating in a century," the UAE President added, "The state of Kerala in India is currently witnessing huge floods, the most devastating in a century. Hundreds have been killed, hundreds of thousands have been displaced. Ahead of Eid Al Adha, do not forget to extend a helping hand to our brothers in India."

While the UAEs Vice President and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in a tweet said, “The state of Kerala in India is currently witnessing huge floods, the most devastating in a century. Hundreds have been killed, hundreds of thousands have been displaced. Ahead of Eid Al Adha, do not forget to extend a helping hand to our brothers in India.”

He said, “The people of Kerala have always been and are still part of our success story in the UAE. We have a special responsibility to help and support those affected, especially during this holy and blessed days.”

“UAE and the Indian community will unite to offer relief to those affected. We have formed a committee to start immediately. We urge everyone to contribute generously towards this initiative,” he added.

On the other side, Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu offered condolence to the family of former Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee and to the families who have lost their loved ones in floods.

He, in a tweet said, “I send my condolences to the Indian families who have lost their loved ones in the recent floods. I also send my condolences to the family of former Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee. He was a true friend of Israel. Israel stands with India during this time of hardship.”

At least 324 people have lost their lives. Kerala has been witnessing incessant rainfall over the last few days, causing unprecedented flooding and landslides in several parts of the state. Prime Minister Modi also took the stock of flood situation in Kerala.