Kerala, India – In the wake of a devastating landslide that has claimed at least 260 lives in Kerala, UAE residents and businessmen are stepping up to aid in the relief operations.
Community Efforts: Dubai resident Shabna Ibrahim, originally from Wayanad, shared that her family is deeply involved in the relief efforts. Her brother and sister-in-law, both Ayurveda doctors, are assisting medical teams by verifying bodies and treating the injured. Shabna’s parents have opened their home to those displaced by the tragedy.
Shajahan Kuttiyath, another Wayanad native, who tragically lost around 100 family members in the landslide, is leading relief initiatives alongside a group of friends. He mentioned that the affected people need to rebuild their lives from scratch. Drawing from their experience during the 2018 floods, they are collaborating with local associations to provide necessary aid.
Business Contributions: Several UAE-based businessmen have pledged significant monetary support to aid Kerala. LuLu Group’s chairman, MA Yusuff Ali, and RP Group’s chairman, B. Ravi Pillai, have each donated approximately Dh2 million to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund.
Medical Assistance: Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Chairman of VPS Healthcare, has offered the services of Prometheus Medical International’s mountain rescue team. In a letter to the Kerala Chief Minister, Dr. Vayalil expressed readiness to deploy the team immediately, pending the state’s specific instructions. Prometheus’s team includes mountain rescue specialists, emergency medical professionals, and nurses.
Aster DM Healthcare is also playing a crucial role in the relief efforts. Dr. Moopens Medical College, formerly known as DM Wayanad Institute of Medical Sciences, is treating the injured in partnership with government hospitals and Public Health Centres. Aster volunteers have mobilized a team and a mobile medical unit to deliver essential resources like water, food, and medical supplies to the affected areas.
Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, announced a donation of approximately Dh500,000 to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and Dh1 million for rebuilding homes. Dr. Moopen also noted that some Aster employees are missing due to the landslide, and efforts are ongoing to locate them and provide support to their families.
Infrastructure Challenges: The landslide destroyed the only bridge connecting the village of Chooralmala to the rest of Wayanad, significantly hampering relief efforts. Construction of a temporary bridge is currently underway to restore access.
This landslide, the worst disaster since the 2018 floods that killed over 400 people, has displaced hundreds and flattened numerous homes, schools, and other structures. The collaborative efforts of the UAE community and businesses are providing crucial support to the people of Kerala during this challenging time.
