Help Nepal in its hour of need

The world must do more for Nepal, readers say. Other topics: jet-skiers, bottled-water prices

Nepal needs more help from the rest of the world to treat the wounded and save the lives of thousands of badly injured victims, readers say. Chris McGrath / Getty Images

It is heartbreaking to hear about people who were injured in the quake and left paralysed (The challenge to save the survivors of Nepal, April 6).

The lack of health care facilities in Nepal and insufficient support from other countries is a problem when there are people who need urgent medical care.

Many people broke or damaged their spinal cords during the earthquake. Their condition is more miserable than that of many.

Only timely medical intervention and support from the wider world can prevent the situation from worsening.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

With patients pouring in as rescue operations continue, Nepal’s medical facilities need more resources. The country’s healthcare facilities are struggling to cope and the Nepalese government has been issuing increasingly desperate pleas for additional medical supplies. Every country must do its bit to help Nepal cope with this disaster.

These incidents can happen anywhere, any time when we need each other the most.

Jet-skiers are a menace and a nuisance

Thank you for the article Jet-skiers rev up residents' anger (April 2). It was about time someone exposed the irresponsible behaviour of people who have a total disregard for the law, safety regulations or someone's basic right to come home to some peace and quiet after a long day's work.

The weekends are even worse with boats mooring just metres off the beach, blasting out music that can be heard even when the windows and balcony doors are closed.

The issue is three-fold: blatant violation of the law, irresponsible behaviour that is bound to lead to a fatality, and disturbance of the peace.

Is it not enough that we have to put up with loud racing cars at Yas Arena until the wee hours? Is it not enough that we actually check into hotels during the race week and concert season?

Bassem Itani, Abu Dhabi

I wrote to The National a few weeks ago suggesting that the jet ski is a machine that brings misery to hundreds of people.

The average jet ski rider holds the police, the coastguard and his own neighbours in complete contempt. It is quite impossible to control a horde of jet-skiers determined to disrupt waterside communities. The only possible solution is to ban them once and for all.

Derek Wills, Dubai

Someone will be killed at some point. They come inside the swim line when families are in the water.

They race down the canals at breakneck speed. They weave in front of other boats in the channel. It’s unbelievably dangerous.

It’s also incredibly noisy and is ruining what should be a peaceful area. But more than that, they are breaking the law.

Liz Smith, Abu Dhabi

Don’t keep quiet on water prices

I don't like the prices some establishments charge for bottled water and the fact that some places only serve imported water (Diners thirst for cheaper water, April 30). However, I have a solution to that. If I think the price is so inflated that I am being ripped off, I will complain politely, write a review and then make sure the establishment knows that I will never go there again.

Dave Pryce, Dubai

Every time you visit a five-star hotel, a waiter opens a bottle of imported water for you. The price can be as much as Dh80.

I have more than once complained to the restaurant manager, but to no avail. A friend of mine, who works in the hospitality sector, said that distributors offer incentives to hotels to push their brand. This needs to stop.

S Kamal, Dubai

We are to blame for this situation. By buying water from them, we encourage this trend.

Tariq Jallad, Abu Dhabi