Several Planes, Carrying Relief Aid to Syria, Arrive at the Airports of Damascus, Lattakia and Aleppo

Provinces, (ST) – Several planes, carrying humanitarian aid to the earthquake-affected people, arrived today at the airports of Damascus, Lattakia and Aleppo.

The aid were sent by the World Health Organization (WHO) and a number of Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Russia and Iran.

According to the Resident Representative of the WHO in Syria, Dr. Iman Shanqeeti, an Emirati plane arrived this morning at Damascus International Airport carrying 33 tons of emergency medical supplies and equipment for hospitals, pointing out that this is the second plane that arrives at Damascus airport from the organization as it was preceded by a plane sent to Aleppo International Airport.

Shanqeeti stressed that the relief aid that arrived on board  three other planes from the UAE weighed 128 tons.

She indicated that at the beginning of the response to the earthquake disaster the aid focused on devices and equipment that are used in hospitals, but current attention is focused on providing health care services, medicines, and supplies for hospitals, health centers and shelters.

Shanqeeti added: “It is important to mention that the health system in Syria has been suffering from 12 years of war, and the recent earthquake that occurred has exacerbated this suffering. In addition, the economic situation in the country is difficult and has significantly impacted the possibility of providing health care.”

On behalf of the organization, Shanqeeti appealed to everyone to join efforts to support the health system in Syria in order to be strong so that it can face any future difficulties.

Later, another Emirate aid plane arrived at Damascus International Airport carrying 86 tons and 380kg of relief aid, including medical supplies, medicines, food, and blankets for those affected by the earthquake.

In addition, Director of Lattakia Airport Ziyad Al-Taweel, said that a UAE aid plane arrived at Latakia International Airport, carrying relief aid weighing 27.7 tons of foodstuff.  

In the same context, an Omani aid plane arrived today at Damascus International Airport carrying 13 tons of food materials.

In a statement, Director of Public Relations and Media at the Omani Charity Organization Nasr Khalifa Al-Kathiri stated that this plane is the second to arrive at Damascus International Airport, pointing out that tomorrow two planes will be sent to Aleppo International Airport, carrying medicines and various relief materials.

Al-Kathiri said: “The Omani-Syrian relations are solid and based on brotherhood and cooperation, so, providing aid is an embodiment of the strength of these ties.”

Al-Kathiri expressed his hope that the Syrian people will overcome this ordeal quickly.

Najla Khoury