Repatriation process starts for remains of 3 OFW casualties in UAE flooding
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has started the process of repatriation for the remains of three overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who died during the severe flooding that happened in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this week.
In a statement, the DMW said part of that process is the coordination with both the relatives of the three OFWs and the Migrant Workers Offices (MWO) in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Two of the Filipino fatalities died of suffocation inside their vehicle after it was stuck in the middle of the flooding while the third victim died from injuries sustained from an accident when his vehicle fell into a sinkhole. Both incidents happened on Wednesday, April 17.
“Additionally, two other OFWs, both male, suffered injuries from the vehicular accident that happened in the sinkhole. They are recuperating from their injuries, as reported by MWO-Dubai officers who were able to visit them in their hospital rooms,” the statement read.
Weather conditions in Dubai are already improving, although large areas around the Gulf State remain flooded from what UAE state weather authorities say is the heaviest downpour in 75 years.
Following the weather improvement, the Migrant Workers Office in Dubai was able to distribute food and relief packs to about 800 OFWs living and working in the Al Touba district, Al Ain, one of the remote areas badly affected by the severe weather disturbance.
Relief distribution was hampered at the height of the storm that hit UAE due to massive flooding.
“They are expected to return and provide further assistance to the community as needed,” the statement read.
On the other hand, both the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) are now working with the Philippine Consulate General at the Dubai International Airport to assist OFWs and other Filipinos whose flights were delayed or rescheduled due to the severe rains and weather.
Philippine Airlines (PAL), Emirates Airlines, and Cebu Pacific (CebuPac) were among the airlines that had delayed or rescheduled flights.
DMW, OWWA, and Consulate General airport teams provided stranded Filipino passengers with food packs, essential personal items, and airline flight assistance to help them on their way.