Flood victims in Ras Al Khaimah to receive compensation

Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah issues directive over financial aid in wake of recent storms

Ras Al Khaimah was lashed with heavy rain, causing flooding on the roads, earlier this month. Chris Whiteoak/The National

Flood-hit residents in Ras Al Khaimah are to receive compensation after severe storms left a trail of destruction across the emirate.

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, called for financial aid to be delivered to speed up the rebuilding process for embattled families.

A task force has been set up to assess damage caused by the recent bout of extreme weather and ensure those in need are given much-needed support.

“A committee has been formed that includes the directors of the general departments and local bodies concerned in the emirate to identify and evaluate rain damage,” said Major General Al Nuaimi, chief of Ras Al Khaimah Police.

“The committee had already made field trips throughout the emirate and met with families whose homes and properties were damaged."

The senior officer said the findings of its initial investigations had already been shared with Sheikh Saud in order to begin distributing funds.

Major General Al Nuaimi praised the efforts of emergency workers as storms wreaked havoc across the country over a number of days.

Rain and hail accompanied with strong winds were recorded across the country while snow fell on Jebel Jais during the extreme weather.

A woman was crushed to death after a wall collapsed during fierce storms in Ras Al Khaimah, police said.

The African maid was believed to be working in a house in the Al Fahlain when the wall toppled under the force of severe flash floods.

Police in the emirate also launched a search-and-rescue mission for a worker swept away in the floods in Waadi Shaam.

About 120 families in Ras Al Khaimah were forced to flee their homes due to heavy rainfall.