Ingenious method of aid delivery in Ajman
Wheel loader to the rescue of flood-hit residents
Alocal community organisation in Ajman has come up with an inventive solution to aid residents stranded by recent floods. With roads too flooded for even SUVS, the Samantha Kerala Sunni Student Federation (SKSSF - WIQAYA) quickly brought in a wheel loader to deliver muchneeded supplies
Sayyid Shuahib Thangal, SKSSF UAE national president, stressed the importance of their decision to rent the heavy machinery. “We needed to get through those waterlogged streets fast,” Thangal said.
“The wheel loader was a lifesaver. We loaded it up with food, water and essentials, making it possible to reach multiple areas with our dedicated volunteers.”
Known as the ‘workhorses of heavy machinery', wheel loaders feature tractor-like cabs, four large tires and a front bucket loader, enabling efficient material loading and navigation through challenging terrain.
Qamar, from Pakistan, rented out the heavy equipment machine for Dh200 per hour. He remarked: “It was a good idea, and it worked. When these folks approached me to rent the machine, I was intrigued,” Qamar explained.
“I initially assumed it was for a construction site but they proved me wrong. They made incredibly effective use of the wheel loader. Its height and powerful engine were crucial in accessing areas they couldn't have reached otherwise.”
For the past week volunteers have been braving health risks, using modified SUVS, kayaks, and inflatable boats to reach stranded residents in Ajman and Sharjah. Despite several falling ill and requiring hospitalisation over the weekend, they continue to deliver vital supplies, now donning personal protective equipment (PPE). Hospitals have reported a surge in waterborne illnesses after the UAE'S heaviest rainfall so far.
We needed to get through those waterlogged streets fast. The wheel loader was a lifesaver. We loaded it up with food, water and essentials, making it possible to reach multiple areas with our dedicated volunteers.” Sayyid Shuahib Thangal SKSSF UAE national president