Sharjah fire victims relieved as Ruler promises help
sharjah — Tenants of the firehit Abbco Tower in Sharjah were relieved as they are assured they would have a place to go home to until it is safe for them to go back to their flats. His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has promised to help them weather the ordeal.
Abdullah Sultan bin Khadim, executive director of the Sharjah Charity Association (SCA), said the Ruler of Sharjah even visited the building destroyed in the fire.
The tower in Al Nahda was gutted in a massive blaze on Tuesday evening, resulting in several residents losing their shelter and belongings. Some were left with nothing except the clothes they were wearing.
Families and all other tenants are now staying at hotels in the neighbourhood.
The SCA continues to provide them with shelter and other necessities, following directives issued by Sheikh Sultan.
“Sheikh Sultan directed the SCA to provide relief and shelter to the affected residents until the building is declared safe and they can go back to their homes again,” Bin Khadim said.
The Ruler has also been closely following up on the condition of affected residents.
Field research teams visited the affected families in the hotels to take stock of their situation and ascertain their further needs.
Dr Hassan Al Marzouqi, owner of Four Points Sheraton Hotel, offered 160 residential rooms in his hotel to accommodate the tenants until their condition improves.
Thankful residents
Mona Akasha, who was staying on the 16th floor at the Abbco building, said she and her family were provided with a comfortable room at the Sheraton Hotel.
“I thank the government of Sharjah for helping us out. They even said they will provide us with an Iftar meal every day and anything we need,” Akasha said.
Riyad, who has a bigger family, was also grateful for the two rooms they were given at Salam Grand. “The police and civil defence immediately provided us with food and water and comforted us,” he said.
Residents have also been receiving support on other matters, including those related to documents they lost.
“I told them that the car belonging to my father got completely damaged in the incident. The team promised to help and assist us to issue documents for an insurance company,” Riyad said.
Sheikh Sultan directed the SCA to provide relief and shelter to the affected residents until the building is declared safe.” Abdullah Sultan bin Khadim, executive director, SCA
I thank the government of Sharjah for helping us out. They even said they will provide us with an Iftar meal every day and anything we need.” Mona Akasha, Abbco Tower tenant