UAE provides 300 housing units in Syria for quake victims.

Post by: Dr. Amrinder Pal Singh

Photo-The National

In a humanitarian gesture, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has inaugurated several hundred housing units to accommodate families displaced by the devastating earthquake that struck Syria last year. Approximately 300 housing units have been unveiled as part of a larger initiative aimed at constructing 1,000 homes in Latakia, located in western Syria. These housing units are expected to provide shelter for around 1,500 individuals, offering a semblance of stability to those affected by the calamity, as reported by the state news agency, Wam.

The earthquake, measuring 7.8 magnitude, occurred near the Turkish-Syrian border on February 6th of the previous year, resulting in tragic loss of life and widespread destruction. The catastrophe claimed the lives of at least 50,000 individuals in Turkey and over 7,000 in Syria, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in the region. Subsequent aftershocks further compounded the destruction, leaving thousands homeless and vulnerable to harsh winter conditions.

The UAE's housing initiative forms a crucial component of the Emirates Red Crescent's (ERC) Operation Gallant Knight 2, which aims to provide vital support to those affected by the earthquake. Led by Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, the ERC's acting secretary-general, a team laid the foundation stone for an additional project comprising 500 homes. This project is envisioned to not only offer housing but also encompass essential amenities such as a school complex, a commercial center, a mosque, a medical facility, and other infrastructure services, thereby facilitating the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the affected region.

Furthermore, the UAE extended its support to Syria by dispatching a relief ship carrying 196 tonnes of medical equipment and supplies, along with buses and an aircraft transporting medical aid and medicine to bolster the country's healthcare sector. In Latakia, the ERC's humanitarian efforts have yielded significant results, with the provision of medical equipment, supplies, and buses, valued at Dh40 million ($10.8 million). These contributions have greatly benefited hospitals, enabling them to serve a large portion of the population in need of medical assistance.

Moreover, the ERC's endeavors encompassed the repair and renovation of approximately 40 schools, along with the provision of essential equipment such as computers, desks, chairs for dentistry, and mobile x-ray devices. Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri emphasized that these projects underscore the ERC's unwavering commitment to its humanitarian mission of alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people and enhancing their living conditions in the aftermath of the earthquake. Through concerted efforts and collaborative initiatives, the UAE continues to extend its solidarity and support to the people of Syria, striving to rebuild communities and restore hope amidst adversity.

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