Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
The UAE will continue to operate its air-bridge to the Libyan people as part of the UAE’s relief efforts to support Libya and alleviate the difficult humanitarian situation that the Libyan people are experiencing as a result of the Hurricane Daniel, said Sultan Al Shamsi, Assistant Minister for Development and International Organisations Affairs.
Since its air bridge was inaugurated on Sept.12, the UAE sent as many as 622 tonnes of humanitarian and relief aid to Libya to mitigate the effects and repercussions of Hurricane Daniel.
The humanitarian and relief aid, which were carried on board of 28 aircraft in implementation of the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, benefitted as many as 6,386 families.
The UAE aid included food supplies, shelter materials and health packages over and above first aid supplies that were distributed in the most affected areas, especially eastern Libya. It also included search and rescue teams equipped with modern machinery and equipment for supporting difficult tasks.
Al Shamsi pointed out that the aid provided by the UAE came as part of the consistent approach established by the late founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and followed by the wise leadership to support brothers and friends in times of adversity.
On this occasion, Al Shamsi extended his sincere thanks to the Emirates Red Crescent Authority (ERC) team currently present in the affected areas in eastern Libya, for their efforts in delivering aid to the affected people, assessing field conditions and studying current actual needs so as to be met through the ongoing air bridge trips.