In response to the terrible earthquake
that struck Kashmir early yesterday morning, the European Commission has
earmarked an initial €3.6 million in emergency aid. The funds are being
made available to partner humanitarian organisations through ECHO, the
humanitarian aid department of the European Commission, which comes under
the responsibility of Commissioner Louis Michel.
This support will allow for a wide range
of needs to be covered and will be deployed for immediate relief operations.
Likely areas of assistance include emergency medical services and supplies,
shelter for people who have lost their homes, food and drinking water,
sanitation, and basic household items (such as kitchen equipment and hygiene
kits).
Louis Michel, the European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, stressed the importance of moving quickly in the aftermath of this disaster. "Once again, a major earthquake has resulted in terrible suffering. We have a duty to get help as quickly as possible to the people whose lives have been turned upside down. Europe's solidarity with the countries and people who have been struck by this tragedy is concretely reflected in our prompt decision to release humanitarian funds."
The €3.6 million consists of €600,000 not yet allocated under an existing regional humanitarian decision covering Kashmir and €3 million under the Commission's fast-track "primary emergency procedure" which allows for the immediate allocation of emergency funds in response to catastrophes.
Contact:
Amadeu ALTAFAJ
Spokesman for Development and Humanitarian
Aid
Commissioner Louis MICHEL
Press and Communication Service
European Commission
Tel: +32(0)2 295.26.58
E-mail: amadeu.altafaj-tardio@cec.eu.int