The UAE has sent 51 tonnes of aid to assist those affected by the recent eruption of the Mayon volcano in the Philippines, according to a statement by Emirates News Agency (WAM).
The volcano’s eruption has resulted in the evacuation of thousands of residents, prompting the UAE to swiftly extend their support.
The aid shipment was transported to the Albay Province, where it will be used to aid those who have been forced to leave their homes due to landslides, lava flows, and the potential for a violent eruption.
This generous response from the UAE marks the first international relief effort to aid the population affected by the volcano, WAM said.
Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, the UAE Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines, stressed on the significance of this assistance, highlighting the deep-rooted relationship between the two nations in various fields.
“Sending aid to the Philippines is an extension of the strong relations between the UAE and the Philippines in many fields,” Al Zaabi said, adding that “The wise leadership of the UAE is keen to contribute to mitigating the severity of disasters and humanitarian crises experienced by many countries in the world.”
He also explained that the UAE aims to provide prompt relief to nations in times of dire need.
“This reflects the solid values of the UAE in contributing to enhancing international response in crises and disasters and providing essential requirements, especially food supplies, needed by many affected populations. It also aims to provide urgent relief to countries in times of need,” he said.
Thousands evacuate as Mayon volcano eruption threat looms
The eruption of Mayon volcano has prompted over 12,600 individuals from predominantly impoverished farming communities residing within a 6-kilometre radius of the crater to evacuate.
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued as a precautionary measure, considering the increased volcanic activity observed in recent weeks.
However, there are still thousands of people residing in the permanent danger zone below Mayon, an area that has long been designated off-limits but remains inhabited by generations of residents engaged in farming activities.
To ensure a swift response in distributing disaster relief funds in the event of an eruption, Albay province was placed under a state of emergency on Friday.
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