Nepal Earthquake: EU mobilises all emergency response means

USPA NEWS - The European Commission is making available 3 million euros in its immediate response to the vast devastation caused by the earthquake that hit Nepal on Saturday. This comes in addition to the assistance from the Member States and the deployment of EC's humanitarian aid and civil protection experts.

"I have mobilised all our means for emergency response to help the survivors and authorities in the aftermath of this tragedy. What is needed most are medical teams and relief supplies. I call on all EU Member States to join the coordinated European response," said EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides. The Commission's emergency aid will go towards the most urgent needs in the worst affected areas, including clean water, medicine, emergency shelter and telecommunications.

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated. Through it, Member States, including Belgium, Finland, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Poland and Sweden immediately offered urgently needed search and rescue teams, water purification systems and technical assistance. Other Member States have also expressed their willingness to help. The European Commission can co-finance the transport of EU aid to Nepal. The European Commission's Emergency Response Coordination Centre works 24/7 to monitor developments and coordinate support from Europe.

In the aftermath of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake, what Nepal needs the most is search and rescue teams, medical teams, relief supplies (tents, blankets, kitchen sets, shelter, water and hygiene) and technical assistance for mobile communications and other needs. This first assessment of needs has been done by the United Nations. Nepal is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters and every year there are significant losses of lives, property and livelihoods. The European Union has been investing in disaster preparedness programmes in the country for many years, particularly in enabling the health system to respond in emergency situations.