Add us as your preferred source on Google to see more of our content in Search.
Add to Preferred SourcesThe European Union announced new humanitarian funding of €18.5 million for the Latin American and Caribbean region, an area where numerous natural disasters threaten already vulnerable communities.
The amount announced includes €15 million to support preparedness of local communities and institutions for natural disasters throughout the region: Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Haiti. A further €2.5 million will support projects addressing violence, and €1 million for food assistance in Central America.
“Investing in disaster preparedness today saves lives tomorrow. The European Union has assisted the Latin American and Caribbean region in all major recent natural disasters, be it hurricanes, forest fires, floods or volcanic eruptions. Our new funding is part of efforts to help communities adapt to the effects of climate change and better prepared for the next crisis,” said Christos Stylianides, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management.
The aid package will boost local capacities to respond to emergencies, implement early warning systems, and increase access to water, sanitation and hygiene. Communities supported include vulnerable ethnic groups living in rural or urban areas and disaster management institutions. Additionally, this support will provide food assistance to populations stricken by natural disasters and severe drought, and provide protection and basic assistance to communities affected by violence in Central America.
Including the latest announcement for Colombia in June, the European Union has allocated a total of €79.5 million in 2019 to support people in need in the region, of which €16 million went toward disaster preparedness and prevention. Since 1994, the EU has provided more than €1 billion in humanitarian assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on the populations most affected by natural disasters and violence.
Original source: European Commission
Published on 23 July 2019