Gulf edition of Indian newspaper praises UAE's help with Kerala flood relief efforts

Gulf Madhyamam pays tribute to efforts of 'wise rulers of the UAE'

An aerial view of Alappuzha district in Kerala. AP

An Indian newspaper’s front page has gone viral after it dedicated its coverage to praising the efforts of the UAE in helping with flooding relief in Kerala.

The front page of yesterday’s Gulf edition of Madhyamam featured the headline #Shukran_UAE with a short statement offering thanks to the “wise rulers of the UAE during the grave situation”.

The newspaper went on to describe the support as “the greatest gift received in the year of Zayed”.

The August 20 edition of Gulf Madhyamam paid a special tribute to the rulers of the UAE for their efforts in raising support for the victims of the floods in Kerala.

The death toll in Kerala rose above 400 on Monday with an estimated 800,000 people currently seeking shelter in relief camps following the devastating flooding.

“The plight of Kerala is very serious but we found solace in the support we received from the UAE,” said Mohammed Rafeq, general manager of Gulf Madhyamam.

Over recent days the UAE has been at the centre of efforts to provide support to Kerala as news of the tragedy spread.

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A national emergency crisis committee was formed in the emirates and donations were collected from across the country.

A chartered flight is due to leave Abu Dhabi tomorrow, August 21, which will deliver some 41 tonnes of aid. Two more flights are expected to deliver further consignments of supplies soon afterwards.

“The response from the UAE has been incredible and it has helped the people of Kerala to have a positive energy to help us through this,” Mr Rafeq said.

“The community in Kerala acknowledges the support we have received from all colours and creeds, it is not about race, it is about helping fellow human beings.”