Abu Dhabi Crown Prince discusses Kerala relief efforts with Indian PM

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed the situation in the flood-hit state of Kerala during a telephone call with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The floods – Kerala’s worst in a century – killed hundreds and displaced over a million people.

During the call, Sheikh Mohamed expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to the Prime Minister and discussed the relief efforts that are underway, official news agency WAM reported.

He also stressed the UAE’s support and highlighted the strong ties between the two countries.

I spoke to the Indian Prime Minister about the devastation caused by the floods in Kerala. My sincere condolences to the families of the victims. We stand with the Indian people. Our relief and charitable institutions are helping with relief efforts.

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) August 21, 2018

Modi also expressed his appreciation for the UAE government’s help and assistance, the report added.

The UAE government has extended $100m of financial aid to Kerala, the state’s chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan confirmed on Tuesday.

The Emirates announced the formation of an emergency committee to organise relief assistance for Kerala on Friday night.

Also read: UAE leaders offer support to flood-hit Indian state of Kerala

Chaired by the Emirates Red Crescent, it includes representatives from the UAE’s humanitarian organisations.

However, according to Indian media reports, India may “politely refuse” the aid offered by the UAE.

“The central government is of the stand that Kerala can take help from individuals abroad. But if any government is ready to help, we should not take it,” a senior official from the finance ministry of Kerala told the Business Standard.

According to the report, a document circulated among top officers of Kerala said that the task of rebuilding the state was something that the country could handle independently.