GEMS Education founder and chairman Sunny Varkey has committed AED5 million ($1.4 million) to the special committee formed by the UAE to support emergency relief and rehabilitation work in Kerala.
“We are making our humble contribution to the committee for supporting the rescue and rehabilitation work in Kerala, my home-state,” he said in a statement.
“Kerala is witnessing an unprecedented challenge and it calls for the unified efforts of all to support the state and its people. My heart goes out to the people affected by the floods and I hope they will find the strength and resolve to overcome the crisis,” he added.
On Saturday, UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan instructed the formation of a national emergency committee to provide relief assistance to people affected by flash floods in Kerala.
According to the President’s instructions, the committee will be chaired by the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) and will include representatives from the UAE’s humanitarian organisations.
UAE-based Indian tycoons and businesses have rushed to donate to Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation’s relief fund for Kerala flood victims.
Among those to donate have been Indian businessmen Yusuff Ali MA, owner of the Lulu Hypermarket chain and Dr BR Shetty, CEO and executive vice chairman of NMC Health PLC, who each gave AED5 million.
Varkey said: “We need concerted efforts to rebuild the state, and I commend the efforts of everyone for their unconditional support, dedication and tireless work. This is a challenging time, no doubt, but standing united, we can overcome it.”
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