Emirates sends ship with emergency aid to Lebanon

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Upon the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), sent a ship carrying humanitarian aid with the intention of supporting those affected by the very serious explosion in the port of the Lebanese capital and of tackling the problem of the extension of the COVID-19. 

The ship arrived at the capital's port and carried 2,400 tonnes of emergency aid, including food, medical supplies, children's food supplements, sanitisers, personal protective equipment and clothes to help limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon.

The ship was received by members of the UAE Embassy in Lebanon and its cargo was handed over to the relevant Lebanese authorities. Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, Secretary-General of the ERC, stated that the ship was sent to Lebanon on the instructions of the emirate leaders to support the victims of the explosion, and pointed out that the ERC is prepared to deliver humanitarian aid by land and sea to meet the growing needs of the Lebanese people. 

The ERC drafted a detailed plan, in coordination with the Humanitarian and Development Affairs Office of the UAE Embassy in Beirut and relevant Lebanese authorities, to distribute aid to those affected by the explosion. 

Just over a month ago, a fire in the port of Beirut caused a massive explosion that devastated a large part of the city. 

The explosion killed over 190 people and injured over 6,000, causing damage estimated at $20 billion. Furthermore, in the past two weeks Lebanon has been hit by four fires of dubious origin and an arms depot belonging to the Hezbollah Shiite militia located in the south of Lebanese territory was also detonated on Tuesday owing to the alleged poor storage of the weapons.