EU Commission boosts humanitarian funding for South Asia earthquake victims by €10m

FR

Following on from its initial allocation of €3.6 million, the European Commission has earmarked a further €10 million for the victims of the South Asia earthquake. The funds will cover the most urgent needs including food, drinking water, shelter and medical aid. The support is being channelled through the Commission's Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO) which comes under the responsibility of Louis Michel, the Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid.

"I was so shocked by the scale of this latest natural disaster that I made sure that the European Commission could provide immediate assistance for the victims." said Mr Michel. "Our partners in the field are working flat out to meet the basic needs of those affected. It is a race against time. The Commission is concerned to ensure that the aid is delivered as fast as possible, even to the most isolated villages."

The first €3.6 million, allocated by the Commission on the day after the tragedy, responded to immediate humanitarian needs. Further evaluations have since been undertaken and the €10 million in new funding will target the following sectors: food, drinking water, shelters appropriate to the region's harsh winter climate, medical materials/medicines, hygiene kits, kitchen utensils, warm clothing, blankets, shoes and psychosocial support for children. Further funding may be allocated in the future as details about the scale of the needs become clearer.

More information
http://europa.eu.int/comm/echo/index_en.htm

| Arriba |

• EU Crisis Response (1/6/2006)
• EU Commission approves €25m humanitarian aid for South Asia earthquake victims (16/12/2005)
• EU Commission adds €10m for Pakistan earthquake relief  (21/11/2005)
• EU Presidency Statement on South Asian Earthquake (27/10/2005)
• UE Commissaire Michel à la Conférence des Nations Unies sur le tremblement de terre en Asie du Sud  (26/10/2005)
• Pakistan earthquake: EU Commission proposes €93.6 million aid package  (24/10/2005)
• EU Council Conclusions - Earthquake in South Asia (18/10/2005)
• South Asia Earthquake : Benita Ferrero-Waldner calls Pakistan Foreign Minister (11/10/2005)
• Humanitarian support for South Asia earthquake victims: EU Commission's immediate response (10/10/2005)
• Condolences from EU Commission President Barroso and Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner to Indian and Pakistan authorities (9/10/2005)