EU Announces €21.5 Mln In Humanitarian Aid For Asia-Pacific Region

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- The European Commission has announced a €21.5 million humanitarian aid package for the Asia-Pacific region with funds earmarked for projects in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Additionally, a new European Union (EU) Humanitarian Air Bridge flight is set to deliver essential supplies to victims of Typhoon Yagi, which has caused significant destruction across the region, with expected arrival in Laos in the coming days.

The fresh aid package brings the EU’s total support to nearly €95 million for this year, according to a statement from the European Commission, the executive branch of the EU.

Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, stated: “The ongoing monsoon season has been particularly hard in Southeast Asia, where several countries have suffered severe floods and cyclones.

“As climate-induced disasters become more frequent and intense, it is even more important to reinforce international cooperation for better preparedness and efficient response.”

Lenarčič is currently visiting the Philippines and Indonesia to strengthen cooperation on disaster preparedness and response with ASEAN and other regional partners.

He will represent the EU at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Manila, emphasising the EU’s commitment to disaster preparedness and response both within and outside Europe.

Recently, the EU provided support to the Philippines following Typhoons Yagi and Gaemi.

Later this week, in Jakarta, Lenarčič will attend the signing of an agreement on disaster management between the EU’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department and ASEAN’s Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre).

This agreement aims to enhance cooperation between the EU and ASEAN countries in disaster preparedness and response, including initiatives to exchange knowledge and best practices.

During his visit, he will mark the 20th anniversary of the devastating tsunami that struck Indonesia in 2004, reflecting on the EU’s solidarity during the response.

-- BERNAMA