President Sheikh Mohamed visits Emirates Red Crescent earthquake aid event in Abu Dhabi

President was accompanied by his sons and grandsons

President Sheikh Mohamed visits an Emirates Red Crescent event where volunteers packed essential supplies for earthquake survivors in Turkey and Syria. All photos: Emirates Red Crescent

Sheikh Mohamed was joined by his sons and grandsons at the event in Abu Dhabi

The President witnessed the latest relief effort for those affected by the earthquake

Thousands of volunteers have helped to pack vital aid bound for Turkey and Syria in recent weeks

President Sheikh Mohamed made a surprise visit to the Bridges of Goodness campaign collection centre in Abu Dhabi.

The campaign, manned by volunteers and Emirates Red Crescent employees, gathers and assembles relief supplies for areas in Turkey and Syria affected by the February 6 earthquake and its aftershocks.

Sheikh Mohamed was accompanied by his sons and grandsons during his visit to Mubadala Arena.

The earthquake death toll in Turkey and Syria as surpassed 50,000.

About 14 million people, or 16 per cent of Turkey's population, have been affected.

As part of Operation Gallant Knight 2, the UAE's humanitarian mission to help the quake-hit countries, it sent 194 relief flights and delivered 5,514 tonnes of aid.

An army of volunteers in the UAE have also lent a vital hand to the continuing relief effort.

Last month, thousands of people came forward to pack aid for the needy at events held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and Expo City Dubai’s exhibition centre.

Another charitable event was held later in the month at the Dubai Exhibition Centre.

Essential supplies such as dry food and warm bedding were packed into boxes in the latest relief effort organised under the UAE's Bridges of Giving campaign.

The Emirates Red Crescent gift boxes also included poignant letters of support written by children.