In a humanitarian initiative, the UAE has unveiled 300 housing units to accommodate families displaced by last year’s devastating earthquake in Syria. The project, part of the Emirates Red Crescent’s Operation Gallant Knight 2, aims to construct 1,000 homes in Latakia, western Syria, providing shelter for approximately 1,500 individuals.
The 7.8-magnitude earthquake, which struck near the Turkish-Syrian border in February last year, resulted in tragic loss of life and widespread destruction in both Turkey and Syria. Following the disaster, the UAE stepped in to support the affected communities, launching initiatives to rebuild homes and improve living conditions.
Led by Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri, acting secretary general of the ERC, a team laid the foundation for an additional housing project comprising 500 homes. This ambitious endeavor includes plans for essential infrastructure such as schools, commercial centers, mosques, medical facilities, and more, aiming to create a sustainable living environment for survivors.
In addition to housing projects, the UAE dispatched a relief ship carrying 196 tonnes of medical supplies to Syria, reinforcing support for the country’s medical sector. Buses and aircraft loaded with essential medical aid and medication were also deployed to provide crucial assistance to those in need.
The ERC’s efforts extend beyond housing and medical aid, encompassing initiatives to rehabilitate schools and provide educational resources. With 40 schools repaired and renovated and the provision of computers, desks, chairs, and medical equipment, the ERC is contributing to the restoration of essential services and infrastructure in affected areas.
Rashid Mubarak Al Mansouri emphasized the ERC’s unwavering commitment to its humanitarian mission, striving to enhance the quality of life for Syrian citizens affected by the earthquake. The projects undertaken reflect the UAE’s dedication to supporting vulnerable communities and fostering stability and resilience in the aftermath of natural disasters.
