‘Loyal Hands’ lift thousands to safety amid record rain
The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) said that national action teams are exerting all possible efforts to protect everyone in areas affected by the current weather conditions, stressing that the safety of everyone remains its priority.
The Joint Operations Command of the Ministry of Defence announced ‘Operation Loyal Hands’ in Fujairah to help evacuate civilians from flood-hit areas, provide them with the necessary requirements, participate in search and rescue operations and medical aid, and render support to civil authorities.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, inspected the areas affected by heavy rain in the Emirate of Fujairah.
During the inspection tour, Sheikh Mohammed stressed that efforts would continue and all resources would be allocated to deal with the current situation.
Due to the severe weather conditions last night, the National Search and Rescue Centre (NSRC) has activated its search and rescue (SAR) operations using SAR aircraft to provide support to the affected people in the country.
With the assistance of the SAR crew and operations team, the stranded individuals were transferred to safe areas, while the injured were transported to the nearest hospital for treatment. NSRC affirmed that it was fully prepared to save lives and preserve property.
The Ministry of Interior said on Thursday that a total of 4,225 people were evacuated with the help of 1,638 personnel and 582 vehicles took part in rescue operations.
During its media briefing on the current weather situation in the country, conducted by Dr Taher Al Ameri, Spokesperson for NCEMA, Dr Mohammed Al Abri, Spokesperson for the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), and Brigadier Ali Al Tunaiji, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, NCEMA presented the proactive efforts of the national authorities.
Al Abri said that the current weather involved a low air extension coming over the west of the country, accompanied by southeast winds and rain clouds over some eastern and western regions, most notably over the sea.
The highest amount of rain recorded during this period was 234.9 mm in the Port of Fujairah, the highest recorded in July over the past 30 years.
The briefing highlighted the efforts of the Ministry of Community Development. Al Ameri commended the role of the ministry, which, since Wednesday, had been implementing procedures to shelter families affected by rain and floods in the eastern regions of the country.
The ministry also coordinated with over 20 hotels to provide 827 housing units to over 1,885 people nationwide and provided buses and other means of transportation in the affected areas to help transport families, he added, affirming that 56 buses were ready in case of any emergency.
The Ministry of Community Development is managing several registered volunteers under the national volunteering platform, who are working in three key areas. These are:
• 30 volunteers work in call centres and contact senior citizens in affected areas to check on them and see if they need anything.
• 40 volunteers are helping with the transportation of affected people on SUVS.
• 60 volunteers are taking care of families after their evacuation to safer areas.
Brigadier Al Tunaiji highlighted the key procedures followed by police officers from the Fujairah Police Operations Centre, and commended the national response efforts made in coordination with local authorities to ensure the security and safety of lives and property.
The qualified teams work with a sufficient number of vehicles, Brigadier Al Tunaiji added, noting that police, rescue and ambulance teams were exerting all possible efforts to secure and protect people and property, as well as managing traffic, while 870 persons were rescued in the emirates of Sharjah and Fujairah.
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), has issued directives to support the official authorities in their efforts to reduce the repercussions of rain witnessed by the Northern Emirates.
The Emirates Auction sent more than 100 tow trucks with all their equipment and specialised teams to support government agencies in Fujairah in rescue efforts in flooded areas. The trucks shifted hundreds of cars to safe areas.
MOD launches Operation Loyal Hands; Fujairah records highest rainfall in 30 years; 4,225 people evacuated; 1,638 personnel and 582 vehicles involved in rescue work; hundreds given shelter in hotels.