UAE pledges Dhs36 million to typhoon-hit Philippines

The UAE is to send $10 million (Dhs36 million) in aid to the typhoon-ravaged Philippines.

A report on national news agency WAM on Sunday said: "On the instructions of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, the UAE is announcing support and assistance programs and projects of USD $10 million to the Philippines.

UAE Pledges

"The UAE extends its deepest sympathies for the loss of life and property caused by Typhoon Hayan in the Philippines.

"The UAE stands by the people of the Philippines in these tragic circumstances and commends the Government of the Philippines and its emergency workers for making all possible efforts in providing aid and relief to the victims.

"The UAE believes that the international community must stand together in times like these and assist the relief efforts. With this contribution, the UAE Government affirms its deep solidarity with those affected by this natural disaster in the Philippines.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this terrible tragedy and their families."

As many as 10,000 people are believed dead in one Philippine city alone after one of the worst storms ever recorded unleashed ferocious winds and giant waves that washed away homes and schools.

Officials projected the death toll could climb even higher when emergency crews reach areas cut off by flooding and landslides.

Haiyan hit the eastern seaboard of the Philippine archipelago on Friday and quickly barreled across its central islands before exiting into the South China Sea, packing winds of 235kph that gusted to 275kph, and a storm surge that caused sea waters to rise 6m.

The President of the UAE, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has also sent his condolences to his counterpart in the Philippines.

WAM reported: "President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a condolence cable to the President of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino III, for victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan.

"He expressed his profound sorrow and solace to President Aquino III and the people of the Philippines, wishing speedy recovery to the injured." (Source: 7daysindubai)