Mrs Suzanne Mubarak, head of the Egyptian Red Crescent Society (ERC), has said that steps should be taken to support the victims of torrential rains in Arish to secure a better future for the residents there, reports Reem Leila At a rally held in Arish in the North Sinai governorate on 31 January with representatives of NGOs, the ERC, the National Democratic Party and executive leaders, Mrs Mubarak called for providing "the utmost protection for citizens against the risks of floods in future and the establishment of integrated and model villages for the victims of torrential rains." Mrs Mubarak stressed the importance of supporting the victims of torrential rains, saying that providing all necessary help was their right. "My visit to the people of Arish is not only to extend condolences to the families of the victims but also to underline that Egypt is standing behind them in their ordeal," Mrs Mubarak said, adding that, "we should deal with the current situation with our eyes on the future. We all know that floods have certain seasons and that this is not the first and will not be the last time in which we suffer losses. "We should provide utmost protection for citizens against the risks of torrential rains in future." She said model, integrated and productive villages would be built for the victims. "We are dreaming of a better future not only for Arish but also for Egypt as a whole," Mrs Mubarak stated. "We are looking for a modern society that does not accept any interference in its domestic affairs." During the meeting Mrs Mubarak promised to provide immediate aid to victims of the floods via the ERC. She also vowed to re-equip the Arish Hospital "with all the required equipment, medicine and furniture. "It is also important to renovate the Civil Rehabilitation Centre of Arish as this could be of great help in times of disaster," Mrs Mubarak said. "The starting point is the genuine assessment of the volume of losses incurred by flash floods." She added that she was following up "with deep concern" the relief efforts by the ERC to assist victims in the governorates of Aswan, the Red Sea and Sinai. Last week Mrs Mubarak visited Aswan to preside over the efforts being made there in the wake of severe flooding. Floods in Aswan killed more than 10 people last month.
