The first Saudi planes carrying medical and relief aid arrived on Sunday to the cyclone-hit island of Socotra, Yemen.
Head of the King Salman Center for Humanitarian Aid and Relief (KSRelief), Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Rabeeah, said the center launched its relief services to the island based on the orders of Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
As part of these efforts, KSRelief dispatched its first plane loaded with essential items and food accompanied by a specialized team.
Rabeeah asserted that more planes loaded with relief goods would follow this batch and a schedule has been finalized in coordination with the Higher Relief Committee.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, KSRelief spokesman Samer al-Jatili said that the plane departed after the weather improved.
He added that the plane is the first to fly in the air bridge to the island, noting that a field operations room was established to oversee the relief work and distribution plan.
Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al Jabir, who also serves as Supervisor of the Yemen Reconstruction Program and Executive Director of Yemen Comprehensive Humanitarian Operations, confirmed in an official statement that the Saudi Reconstruction Team in Yemen is working with the local authorities to deal with the aftermath of Cyclone Mekunu.
The team is working on opening roads and assisting people in distress in anticipation of the arrival of relief aid and shelter that were hindered by weather conditions, added Al Jabir.
"Saudi Joint Forces planes carrying tens of thousands of tons of relief, shelter and medical supplies from the Kingdom, through KSRelief, are preparing to head to Socotra to help our brothers there as soon as the weather conditions improve,"stated the ambassador.
The Yemeni Ministry of Public Health and Population along with the World Health Organization shipped on Sunday medical aid to Socotra.
Deputy minister of Health Ministry Ali al-Waleedi said the shipment included 30 tons of medicine and medical equipment, reported the Yemeni news agency (Saba).
He stated that the Ministry dispatched a medical team to assess the disastrous situation on the island.
"Due to the environmental and health situation created by rains and floods, efforts are underway in coordination with the WHO to carry out a pesticides spray campaign to control Malaria and Dengue Fever in the provinces that have been subject to bad weather," he added.
