A jumbo jet took off from Dubai last night carrying more than 58 tons of aid…

Jordan has been devastated by flooding over the last month, in what is being described as one of the country’s worst natural disasters in decades.

Two weeks ago, 21 people – mainly children – were killed after they were swept away in a flash flood near the Dead Sea while on a school trip. And now 12 people have died in downpours this week that affected many parts of the country, including the ancient city of Petra.

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In response to the disaster, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, ordered an emergency airlift of humanitarian aid to help those affected.

On Sunday night, a 747 jumbo jet and a C130 Hercules transport carrier took off from Dubai carrying more than 58 tons of health, nutrition, and sanitation supplies, as well as temporary shelters.

According to an official statement, the planes landed in Jordan early this morning and the aid is on its way to be distributed to those families and people most in need.

The operation is being coordinated by HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, Sheikh Mohammed’s wife and the chairperson of International Humanitarian City.

Princess Haya – who is a member of the Jordanian royal family – will be working with authorities in Jordan and the National Crisis Centre to monitor the situation and provide further assistance as required.

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