EU announces €2 million in humanitarian aid for Nepal earthquake victims

Brussels, Nov 15 (EFE).- The European Union (EU) on Wednesday announced a humanitarian aid package of 2 million euros for Nepal to assist those affected by a 6.4 magnitude earthquake earlier this month.

“It will help provide shelter, access to clean water and sanitation, and health care, among other services,” the EU said in a statement.

The aid includes €600,000 to support the efforts of humanitarian partners already providing assistance in the affected areas.

Another €200,000 has been earmarked for the Nepalese Red Cross Society through the Disaster Response Emergency Fund of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, it said.

The EU will further mobilize €1.2 million through its European Humanitarian Response Capacity (EHRC) to provide tents and winter kits for vulnerable families whose homes were destroyed in the quake.

EU’s Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic, affirmed the bloc’s commitment to assisting those Nepalese affected by the recent “deadly earthquake.”

“The EU stays ready to help those most in need. This new aid package will bring shelter to people that have lost their homes, so they can be prepared to face the upcoming winter, while helping with other pressing needs,” the official said.

The new funding is in addition to the €2 million already allocated to Nepal at the beginning of 2023 to respond to aftermaths of natural disasters and strengthen disaster preparedness in the mountainous country.

According to the Nepali officials, the powerful 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Rukum and Jajarkot districts in western Nepal on Nov. 3, resulting in the deaths of 153 people and injuries to 338.

The earthquake was the most significant seismic event in Nepal since the 7.3 magnitude earthquake in 2015, which claimed nearly 9,000 lives and destroyed over half a million homes. EFElgf/bks/mcd