Large amount of flood relief cargo supported by the UAE community, that includes the government and civil society of the country, has landed in Kerala via the Emirates Airlines. The airline chose Thiruvananthapuram for landing as the international airport in Kochi remains non-operational due to the floods.
“Kerala, India is reeling from the worst floods in hundred years. The UAE supports Kerala in its time of need. Responding to a call by the UAE’s leaders, Emirates Sky Cargo is carrying over 175 tonnes of relief goods to Kerala. We join the UAE community – the leadership, government entities, humanitarian organisations, residents and businesses in their support of Kerala,” said the Emirates Airlines in a social media message.
This is the biggest international relief effort that began after the floods became intense over the last one week. Significantly, this relief operation got underway, as India declared its preference for domestic resources to deal with the crisis after a reported offer of ₹700 crore aid from the UAE government to Kerala.
However, the Ministry of External Affairs had also announced that contributions to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund, and the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund from NRIs, PIOs and international entities such as foundations would be welcome. The MEA has not however clarified about the composition of the suppliers of the cargo from the “UAE community” .
The airlifting includes 13 aircraft filled with critical goods such as inflatable boats, dry fruits, food items, blankets that will be handed over to the local officials and organisations, the Dubai Media Office said elaborating the scope of the operation.
UAE has emerged as a major aid giver in recent years and has been noted for sending out relief goods to disaster-struck areas of Asia and Africa.