EU cash for quake victims

The European Union today committed £2.5m (€3.6m) in primary emergency relief for the victims of the huge earthquake that struck southern Asia over the weekend.

The funds approved will cover emergency medical services and supplies, shelter, food and drinking water, sanitation, and basic household equipment to make sure the survivors of the quake will get help as soon as possible.

“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,” EU Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Louis Michel said.

The EU nations “stand ready to help Pakistan with urgent relief and assistance in this hour of need”, the EU Commission president said.