ABU DHABI, (Pakistan Point News - 02nd Jun, 2018) The Emirates Red Crescent, ERC, rescue teams in Yemen were among the first on the ground to help in the aftermath of Cyclone Mekunu, which hit the Yemeni island of Socotra in May, by initiating immediate recovery work and providing food and relief assistance, as well as reconstructing and reopening roads and restoring power supply networks.
This report looks back at the UAE's comprehensive relief efforts in Yemen in May. As well as being involved in major relief efforts following the cyclone, the UAE continued to revive major and vital sectors, including by launching initiatives to boost the health, infrastructure and education sectors, as well various Ramadan projects that oversaw the daily delivery of thousands of meals to fasting Muslims across the country.
The UAE, through its humanitarian arm, the ERC, also continued to support the locals in Yemen’s liberated areas through its various development programmes while providing emergency relief and humanitarian assistance wherever required.
These efforts reflect the desire of the UAE leadership to ensure the future of the Yemeni people, and alleviate their hardship caused by the destructive actions of the Houthi militias, by providing essential supplies and restoring the country’s normal living conditions.
Ramadan Programmes During May, the ERC launched its "Iftar Project" in Yemen's Red Sea Coast, which assisted over 72,000 fasting people, as part of its Ramadan campaign in the country. ERC teams delivered aid and food parcels to local people, which helped them face some of their challenges and eased their difficult humanitarian conditions.
As well as its Iftar Project, the authority also launched the "Ramadan Rations" and "Eid Clothing" initiatives to support those in need during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
At the start of Ramadan and as part of the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the ERC, the authority dispatched three ships carrying thousands of tonnes of aid to Socotra.
The ERC also launched an initiative on behalf of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the wife of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, which provided thousands of iftar meals to the people of several Yemeni governorates, in hospitals, streets, orphanages, mosques and shelters housing the displaced.
The Red Crescent continued its development programmes in Yemen's liberated areas, which included the health, education and infrastructure sectors, as well as the provision of emergency relief and humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of underprivileged Yemeni people.
Relief Efforts During May, the ERC’s distribution of relief and food aid increased significantly, in response to the urgent appeals made by authorities and social figures in many Yemeni areas.
In the aftermath of Cyclone Mekunu, the ERC initially focused on distributing iftar and suhour meals to those displaced in Hodeidah and those taking refuge in schools and mosques. The organisation also repaired a major road where many fleeing the devastation were stranded, and contributed to the efforts to restore power supplies in affected areas.
May also witnessed the arrival of an Emirati cargo ship at the port of Mukalla, which carried tonnes of medical aid provided by the UAE, to support the health sector of Shabwa Governorate.
The ERC also continued to monitor the conditions of those fleeing from the brutality of the Iranian-backed Houthi militias and ensured that they were provided with basic supplies, such as food, tents, blankets and medicine.
Infrastructure Projects May also witnessed the launch of several reconstruction projects in various Yemeni governorates, which aim to support the reconstruction of the country's infrastructure that was devastated by the war started by the Houthis.
One such initiative was the launch of a water project in Lawdar, Abyan Governorate on 14th May, which will benefit over 30,000 people. The ERC stated that it has prioritised water projects to meet the challenges of thirst and drought that affect many people across the country.
The project’s first stage included the digging of four wells with a depth of 50 feet, at a total cost of AED670,000. The project’s second stage will witness the construction of a water transfer line and a large tank with a capacity of 500 cubic litres.
The ERC also signed an agreement worth AED2 million with the Taiz Governorate to implement the first phase of its Year of Zayed 2018 projects in the areas of education, water and food.
The authority also launched a project to construct an integrated solar-powered water pump in Yashbem, Shabwa Governorate, which is expected to benefit around 5,000 people.
Health Assistance The ERC added to its support to the health sector in Yemen in May, by providing urgent medical assistance to patients with chronic kidney disease and cancer, as well as those disabled, in the city of Ataq, Shabwa.
The ERC also organised first aid training courses for women in the rural region of Al Hadba, Hadramaut, and its comprehensive health-training programmes witnessed a variety of educational activities related to health and environmental safety, first aid and other skills.
Education Development During May, the ERC continued its diverse education projects in Yemen, beginning with the restoration of the "Greater Taiz" and "26 September" secondary schools in Taiz Governorate. The projects will enable students to return to their classes after many years of war.
On 28th May, eight envelopes containing project tenders to restore seven schools, as well as another project to construct the Education College Hall in Dhale Governorate, were opened, as part of the ERC’s efforts to improve education facilities that were damaged by the war.
