(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Ten years ago this week, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf South in the US and New Orleans in the state of Louisiana was one of the worst-hit cities. It is the largest city in Louisiana.
Qatar's Ambassador to the US Mohammed Jaham Al Kuwari will visit New Orleans this week where Qatar committed to providing humanitarian aid worth $100m (QR365m) to help rehabilitate affected families.
Al Kuwari will attend an event titled 'Katrina10 Week' (the week is being observed from August 26 to 30 - exactly 10 years after the devastation caused by the hurricane).
He will also attend events to be organised by beneficiaries of Qatar Katrina Fund, and felicitations by NOLA - an evening with the Mayor of New Orleans.
Qatar is the second largest international donor for Katrina relief. Through the fund, the state has extended support in different areas, including building and repairing some 4,000 homes, scholarships for over 2,000 students and establishing healthcare facilities.
Al Kuwari will host a luncheon organised by the Qatari embassy and 'Habitat for Humanity' today where all 16-partner organisations of the fund will be in attendance.
He will pay tribute to all those involved in rebuilding the Gulf Coast and speak about how Qatar is proud to help change so many lives. The luncheon will also highlight the official launch of the book, Qatar Katrina Fund: 10 Years After the Storm and QKF After the Storm, a short film.
The film will also be showcased at Media Centre in downtown New Orleans.
Al Kuwari will meet local and national leaders, such as Mayor Landrieu and Jesse Jackson.
'Habitat for Humanity' will hold a commemoration ceremony to install a plaque honouring the fund at Musicians Village.
The fund's website, www.qatarkatrina.com includes information, a short video and a book about the fund, and Al Kuwari's statements.
"Qatar is a small country in the Arabian Peninsula. Humanitarian aid is part and parcel of our culture and values; we believe in helping others," Al Kuwari said in a statement.
"Foreign aid is like a bridge - a cultural bridge that helps build better relations between nations. We wish to use it to bring hope and happiness to people going through very difficult times, as the people of the Gulf Coast were 10 years ago."
The fund supported projects that paid medical expenses for Katrina victims, provided rental assistance to families who had lost their homes, delivered medical care to expectant mothers and babies. Other projects awarded thousands of scholarships, financed the restoration of historic homes in Tremé neighbourhood and built a new community centre for young people.
"We are very proud of these results and grateful to everyone who joined us in this effort. Travelling the region and seeing the fruits of the fund, I feel awed by the people who have returned and rebuilt," Al Kuwari said.
"His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has nothing but admiration for all those thousands of people who returned to rebuild, and who are making New Orleans and the Gulf Coast great again. The Emir has followed the progress of Qatar Katrina Fund with great interest and is very happy to see the stories of hope and renewal," the statement added.
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