EU to provide Nepal Rs 289 million in humanitarian aid

The European Union (EU) is providing approved a €2 million (approximately Rs 289 million) aid package for the earthquake-affected people in Jajarkot and Rukum West districts.

“Following the earthquake that struck Nepal earlier this month, the EU has approved a €2 million aid package to bring relief to the most affected people, according to a press note issued by the EU Brussels. "The EU approved the aid package to provide shelter, access to clean water and sanitation, and healthcare, among other services to the survivors of the recent Jajarkot earthquake."

The support package includes €600,000 (Rs 86 million) financial aid for humanitarian partners already providing assistance in affected areas, the press note reads, adding that, in addition, €200,000 (Rs 28 million) has been allocated to the Nepal Red Cross Society, via the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). "The EU will also mobilise in-kind assistance from its European Humanitarian Response Capacity (EHRC), worth €1.2 million (Rs 173 million), which will include tents and winterisation kits that will be sent from the EU’s stockpile in Kuala Lumpur, to address the crucial shelter needs of vulnerable families whose homes were destroyed."

The latest funding comes in addition to the €2 million (Rs 289 million) already allocated to Nepal at the beginning of this year, with the goal of responding to natural hazards and strengthening disaster preparedness.

Meanwhile, EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic said that, like in previous disasters, the EU remains ready to help those most in need.

“This new aid package will provide shelter to people that have lost their homes and prepare them to face the upcoming winter, while helping with other pressing needs,” he said.

This new funding comes in addition to the already allocated to Nepal at the start of this year, with the goal of responding to natural hazards and to strengthen disaster preparedness, the EU note reads.

An earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale hit the hilly districts of Karnali Province -- Jajarkot and Rukum West -- leaving 153 dead and 363 others injured.