Kuwaitis in Mexico safe as deadly dual hurricanes continue

All Kuwaiti travelers and mission personnel in Mexico are safe and unharmed, the Kuwaiti embassy said on Saturday, as two ongoing hurricanes have so far left dozens dead and missing in the country. Hurricanes Manuel and Igrid, which have hit the Central American nation on its eastern and western coasts, "have led to the death of 105 people, so far, and over 1.4 million people have been affected. This has forced authorities to announce a state of emergency across most states," said Ambassador to Mexico Samih Jawhar Hayat in a statement on Saturday. The ambassador said that the embassy has been keeping a watchful eye over developments since the hurricanes started hitting the country on Thursday. Earlier on Friday, a Kuwaiti tourist was discharged from hospital after being completely healed of wounds, and the embassy is closely following up on his condition, added the ambassador. The Kuwaiti embassy is in close contact with the Mexican foreign ministry, and daily reports are being compiled on the ongoing situation. The dual hurricanes have also led to heavy rains and floods which have caused the destruction of many homes, farmland and businesses nationwide, mostly seaside cities and towns. Several nations and organizations have begun to offer assistance to Mexico in its attempt to rescue survivors and address the needs of those displaced as a result of the natural disaster. These include the US, which upon providing USD 250,000 to the Mexican Red Cross has said it would be providing more relief as soon as the exact urgent needs of the people on ground are revealed by Mexican authorities. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development have also donated USD 400,000 to the Mexican Red Cross aimed at relief efforts. Meanwhile, UN chief Ban Ki-moon also expressed sorrow over the huge loss of life due to the dual hurricanes. "The Secretary-General extends his sincere condolences to the Mexican Government and people, particularly the families of those who have been killed, " his spokesperson said in a statement. "He extends his solidarity to all those affected in this disaster." He also vowed that the UN would assist in efforts to respond to the humanitarian needs resulting from the disaster and to mobilize any international support needed.