Commission moves quickly to respond to the earthquake in El Salvador

The European Commission moved quickly in response to the earthquake which struck El Salvador on Saturday 13 January 2001. As soon as the catastrophe occurred, the Humanitarian Aid Office arranged for an expert to be sent to the crises zone for an emergency initial assessment, to identify the most pressing needs. A rapid decision to allocate humanitarian aid worth €2 million was taken on the 15 January 2001.

This money would cover the provision of drinking water and sanitation, shelter, food aid and medical supplies. This initial decision would be followed up by further commitments depending on the needs identified.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Relations between El Salvador and the European Union http://www.europeansources.info/record/relations-between-el-salvador-and-the-european-union/

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