EU gives $2m in relief aid

THE European Union (EU) has provided 800,000 euros ($F2 million) in humanitarian aid funding to deliver emergency relief assistance to families affected by super storm Yasa.

EU commissioner for crisis management Janez Lenarcic said STC Yasa was the most powerful storm to hit the Pacific country this year and had impacted a lot of people.

“The EU’s contribution will support the Fijian Government and our humanitarian partners in getting crucial aid to the most vulnerable people. Our thoughts are with all the victims,” Mr Lenarcic said.

According to the EU, the storm has so far affected about 200,000 people along its path, with more than 23,000 forced to flee their homes and seek shelter in evacuation centres.

The EU funding would support humanitarian aid partners who were already on the ground to respond to the immediate needs of those most affected.

This would include shelter, food, healthcare, access to clean water, safe sanitation and good hygiene.

The funding was part of the EU’s Acute Large Emergency Response Tool (ALERT).