UAE Cabinet approves $540mn aid package for citizens affected by floods
Sheikh Mohammed said a committee would be established to assess the damage caused by the adverse weather, which struck the country last Tuesday
UAE authorities have approved a US $540mn aid package to support Emiratis who were affected by the recent storms, which were said to be the worst in the country’s history. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai set out the major relief effort, as he chaired a meeting of the UAE Cabinet at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Mohammed said the funds would be used to address damage caused to the homes and property of citizens. He said a committee would be established to assess the damage caused by the adverse weather, which struck the country last Tuesday.
“In the Council of Ministers today, we approved an amount of 2bn dirhams to address the damage to citizens’ homes. A ministerial committee was assigned to follow up on this file, inventory the damage to homes, and disburse compensation in co-operation with the rest of the federal and local authorities,” stated Sheikh Mohammed.
He noted that the extreme weather was “unprecedented in its severity” and lessons would be learned from the deluge. He also noted that emergency services had received more than 200,000 calls related to the heavy flooding.
“Thanks to the follow-up and support of my President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, life returned to normal quickly. His Highness issued his directives to conduct damages assessments, provide support for families, and immediately assess the status of the infrastructure, emphasising that the safety of citizens and residents is the top priority,” commented Sheikh Mohammed.
Earlier in the week, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi called for a quick response from authorities. He also expressed his appreciation for the awareness and responsibility shown by people during the adverse weather, according to a report by WAM.
The President also requested that authorities quickly work on limiting the damage caused after the country witnessed its heaviest rainfall on record, and asked that necessary support be provided to all families affected by the severe weather, ordering that they be moved to safe locations in co-operation with local authorities.
