Issue Date: 1st October 2009

European Commission announces first fast-track humanitarian funding for victims of tsunami in Pacific Islands

The European Commission's humanitarian department is providing 150,000 euros in fast-track emergency relief following the tsunami in the Pacific islands region.

This initial funding will be disbursed to the International Red Cross Federation through their Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) to assist with primary emergency needs in Samoa depending upon the first 'on the ground' assessments by our humanitarian partner. In a first instance, there is expected to be a need for medical assistance, fresh water supplies and emergency shelter.

The European Commission continues to monitor the situation very closely in case additional emergency humanitarian funding is urgently needed across the affected states and communities of the region.

All funds are channelled through the Commission’s Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO), under the responsibility of Commissioner Karel De Gucht. The Commission-funded projects are implemented by non-governmental relief organisations, specialised UN agencies and the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement.

Statement by Commissioner Karel De Gucht on tsunami in Pacific Islands

Karel De Gucht, European Commissioner for development, humanitarian aid and relations with Pacific states, has expressed his solidarity with the island communities that were struck by the tsunami. Commissioner De Gucht has underlined that Europe stands ready to assist in any way it can.

Commissioner De Gucht said, "I would like to offer my condolences to those families who have lost relatives in this tragedy and to the authorities of Samoa and American Samoa as well as the other Pacific island nations affected by this disaster. Let me assure you that the European Commission and its humanitarian department (ECHO) are closely monitoring the situation along with its humanitarian partners in case international emergency assistance is needed."

Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the CFSP, conveys his condolences after the terrible natural disasters that have hit the Pacific

Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), issued the following statement today, expressing his concern following the disasters that have struck the Pacific:
"I am greatly saddened by the news of the terrible natural disasters that have struck the Pacific over the past few days. My thoughts are with the injured and the families of the victims. I convey my condolences to the people and the authorities of Indonesia, the Philippines, the Samoa Islands, Tonga and Vietnam.

The EU and its Member States are mobilizing to provide relief and have already earmarked a considerable amount for aid to the region."

ENDS

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