Press Release: Humanitarian support for earthquake victims: Commission’s immediate response

The European Commission on 10 October 2005 formally adopted its fast track humanitarian decision for €3 million announced on the day before to provide urgent assistance to the victims of the South Asia earthquake. €600,000 was also earmarked from funds already available under a previous decision. The aim was to meet immediate humanitarian needs such as shelter, blankets, water, food and medical assistance. The funds were being channelled by the Commission's Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO) through experienced operational partners already working in the region.