MUSCAT, 7 January 2005 — Oman is sending relief goods worth $3 million for the victims of tsunami in Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia.
Ali Ibrahim Shanoon Al-Raisi, executive director of Oman Charitable Organization (OCC), the country’s Red Crescent, said four consignments carrying 300 tons of goods each have already been flown to Sri Lanka and Maldives in the past three days.
“ Another 12 chartered flights to these two countries are to follow. Our traget is to send goods worth $3 million, if not more,’’ he told Arab News. The relief goods include tents, blankets, mattresses, bed sheets and food items such as rice, flour and sugar.
He said the operations, at the directives of Sultan Qaboos, started on Tuesday and would continue for 10 days, depending upon the availability of aircraft. “We are in full swing to come to the aid of those who need us most, and need us urgently.’’
Al-Raisi said he would by flying to Indonesia, the worst hit by tsunami, soon to supervise relief operations there.” We will buy relief goods from Jakarata or from adjoining capitals for logistic reasons.’’
He said OCC has formed a relief committee for tsunami victims, which has involved Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry(OCCI) to ensure the fullest participation of the private sector in relief operations.”The Sultanate’s entire apparatus has come into motion in keeping with the enormity of the tragedy.’’
Meanwhile, Sultan Qaboos has called for the setting up of an early warning system along the Sultanate’s 1700-km coastline to avert tragedies similar to tsunami.
Addressing the council of ministers, the Omani monarch’ ‘ directed the government to launch an observatory run by qualified personnel for early warning system along the Sultanate’s coast.’’
