Jordan Times
Wednesday, February 8, 2006
Queen Rania offers solace to flood victims
AMMAN (JT) — Her Majesty Queen Rania on Tuesday
visited flood-hit areas in the governorates of Aqaba and Maan, listening to the
local communities' needs and consoling those who lost loved ones and
livelihoods.
The flash floods, caused by heavy rainfall in the area on Thursday night, killed
nine people in the southern and eastern regions of the Kingdom and resulted in
the loss of shelter and livelihood as well as damaging the water, electricity
and transportation infrastructure in both governorates.
During the field visit, the Queen met with the families affected by the floods
in both governorates, who shared with her stories of their loss. Offering her
sympathy and support, Queen Rania also conveyed His Majesty King Abdullah's
support and his concerns for their well-being.
In Aqaba, Queen Rania, accompanied by the governors of Aqaba and Maan, examined
both the damages and relief efforts under way.
Her Majesty underscored the need to expedite support and compensation efforts
for those families affected by the floods.
The government has announced that it will compensate residents of Aqaba and Maan
whose properties were damaged by floods.
The Queen made several stops in Maan, including offering condolences to a family
who tragically lost a child as a result of the floods.
Another stop was at the Swiemreh School for Boys. The school, which consists of
seven rooms covering grades four to nine, is located within two separate
buildings five minutes apart on foot, requiring students and teachers to cross
the distance several times a day, often carrying their chairs with them.
Speaking to the Maan governor, the Queen highlighted the urgency of addressing
the needs of the school.