European Union mobilises support for victims of Hurricane Dorian

Following a request for assistance from the Bahamas, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated and relief, logistics, and communications support are being sent by The Netherlands and by Luxembourg. In addition, the EU is mobilising €500,000 in humanitarian aid funding to assist those affected by Hurricane Dorian to address the most urgent needs for shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene.

“Hurricane Dorian has left a large trail of destruction with many casualties and leaving homes in ruins. We will do all we can to help, getting aid in to the people on the ground. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy and with the Bahamian authorities and brave first responders on the scene,” said Christos Stylianides, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management.

As an immediate first response, the EU mobilised a humanitarian expert to the Bahamas to make a first assessment of the needs last week. In the coming days, two liaison officers from the EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre will join him to coordinate the incoming assistance.

Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, The Netherlands is providing two ships to transport food and water and Luxembourg is sending a team with a mobile satellite-based telecommunications platform.

The EU is furthermore supporting the efforts of the National Red Cross to provide urgent assistance to the victims.

The European Union’s 24/7 Emergency Response Coordination Centre is in close contact with the authorities of the Bahamas and Member States to monitor the situation and channel further EU assistance. In addition, the EU’s emergency Copernicus satellite service is currently providing maps of the area.

Original source: European Commission
Published on 12 September 2019