First aid shipment from Bahrain for quake-hit Syria lands in Damascus

TDT | Manama                                        

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com   

The first batch of emergency humanitarian aid sent by Bahrain arrived at Damascus International Airport yesterday to assist those affected by the deadly quake in Syria as the combined death toll in Turkey and Syria leapt towards 50,000.

The shipment contains 40 tonnes of emergency medicines, equipment, and shelter supplies, which a team of specialists visiting the quake-affected areas will distribute after assessing needs. In addition to this, Bahrain is also sending a medical team to Syria to help the injured, said Dr Mustafa Al-Sayed, the Secretary General of the Royal Humanitarian Federation, who is also in Damascus with a delegation.

The Daily Tribune had reported that the Kingdom is set to open a hospital named “Bahrain” in Syria for relief and assistance work. Bahrain’s campaign to help quake victims follows the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and HM the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Yesterday’s move also follows the “Day of Solidarity” telethon that raised over $3.7 million to support quake victims last week and is continuing still.

“The doors of the campaign are open for all to become a part of,” said Dr Mustafa Al-Sayed, who is also the CEO of the National Committee for Supporting Earthquake Victims in Syria and Turkey.

According to reports, the number of people killed in Turkey has risen to 43,556, while in Syria the death toll was close to 6,000. Reports also say more than 600,000 apartments and 150,000 commercial premises had suffered at least moderate damage.

Besides, more than 865,000 people are living in tents and 23,500 in container homes, while 376,000 are in student dormitories and public guesthouses outside the earthquake zone. Khaled Haboubati, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent representative, thanked HM King Hamad and praised the support of Bahrain’s leadership, government, and people.

Bahraini Ambassador to Syria, Waheed Mubarak Sayyar, said the embassy had made all arrangements to deliver aid and is in touch with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and authorities, particularly the Health Ministry, to be informed about urgent medical needs.