(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The UAE humanitarian group, Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), has pledged to sponsor orphans who lost their families in the massive explosion that rocked Lebanon's capital, Beirut, last week.
The authority is now working with the Humanitarian Aid Commission at the UAE embassy in Beirut to learn how many kids were orphaned in the tragedy and how many families had lost their loved ones, said Dr Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, secretary-general of the ERC.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the ERC, has directed the organisation to help all the grieving families by providing them with basic necessities and rebuilding their homes.
The blasts that tore through the port in Beirut killed at least 163 people and destroyed swathes of the city, leaving an estimated 300,000 homeless. Sheikh Hamdan has been closely monitoring the situation on the ground, said Dr Al Falahi. The ERC chief has also been in constant communication with the organisation to check the progress of relief operations.
Since the catastrophe struck, the UAE has come together and gone all out to support the victims and help Beirut get back on its feet. A day after the blast, the country has immediately shipped tonnes of medical supplies.
On Monday, a donation drive called Salam Beirut was launched by Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah; and Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation. An urgent volunteering initiative was also rolled out, calling on Emiratis and residents to help in a nationwide relief drive.
The UAE has also showed its solidarity in a series of touching gestures - from welcoming Lebanese travellers with roses at the airport to buildings lighting up in the colours of the Lebanese flag. Expats across the country have said they felt the love from all corners.
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