Kerala people are part of our success story: UAE PM forms committee to help flood affected

Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has expressed his condolences over the death of people in flood-hit Kerala and formed a committee to help those affected.

Sheikh Mohammed has expressed heartfelt sympathy to President Kovind and to the families of the victims and wished the injured speedy recovery.

In a series of tweets, Sheikh Mohammed said, "The state of Kerala in India is currently witnessing huge floods, the most devastating in a century. Hundreds have been killed, hundreds of thousands have been displaced. Ahead of Eid Al Adha, do not forget to extend a helping hand to our brothers in India."

" The people of Kerala have always been and are still part of our success story in the UAE. We have a special responsibility to help and support those affected, especially during this holy and blessed days," he added.

The people of Kerala have always been and are still part of our success story in the UAE. We have a special responsibility to help and support those affected, especially during this holy and blessed days pic.twitter.com/ZGom5A6WRy

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 17, 2018

Stating that the UAE and the Indian community will unite to offer relief to those affected, he said, "We have formed a committee to start immediately. We urge everyone to contribute generously towards this initiative."

The unprecedented rains and floods have claimed at least 324 lives in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is undertaking the areal survey of the flood-affected region as the situation is worsening in the state.

Several people are stranded in buildings in various districts. Many of them, including children, were rescued from various waterlogged areas.

Twelve additional teams of the National Disaster Response Force comprising about 540 personnel were also rushed to Kerala.