UAE sends aid to Philippines as thousands in volcano danger zone

The UAE has sent 51 tonnes of food and relief supplies to the Philippines to help thousands of people displaced by the rumbling Mayon Volcano.

It's the first major international aid shipment to reach the country after the volcano in Albay province triggered landslides and lava flows.

"Sending aid to the Philippines is an extension of the strong relations between the two nations in various fields and reflects the UAE leadership’s keenness to contribute to easing the suffering of those affected by disasters and humanitarian crises around the world," said Mohamed Obaid Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to the Philippines.

More than 13,000 people have left the mostly poor farming communities within a 6 km radius of Mayon’s crater in mandatory evacuations.