Haiti earthquake: EU continues to mobilise emergency assistance

In addition to the €3 million in humanitarian funding mobilised by EU to address the most urgent needs in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, the EU is scaling up its assistance. As result of the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism by Haiti, a team of 12 EU experts and two ERCC Liaison Officers are reaching Haiti to provide support in coordinating of the incoming EU assistance. In addition, several EU Member States are joining the aid operations by offering further support such as a Technical Assistance and Support Team and shelter tents from Sweden, one water purification module from France, as well as one water treatment plant, medical equipment and medicines, 720 tarpaulins and 500 family kitchen kits from Spain. Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management, said: “The catastrophe that has hit Haiti requires a quick and structured response to help the most affected people. In addition to the funds released this week for immediate aid relief, the deployment of EU trained experts, medical equipment and other emergency items will provide further relief to Haiti and help intervene where it is most needed. I thank the EU Member States who have promptly offered their help via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.” The EU’s emergency Copernicus satellite has also been activated to map the area. The EU’s 24/7 Emergency Response Coordination Centre is constantly assessing the situation to monitor developments and coordinate the incoming EU assistance.