The European Commission has earmarked 10 million Euros (approximately Rs 54 crore) for the victims of the devastating earthquake in South Asia, which will cover urgent needs including food, drinking water, shelter and medical aid.
The support, which follows on from the commission's initial allocation of 3.6 million Euros (approx. Rs 19.5 crore) for quake relief, is being channeled through the body's Humanitarian Aid Department, a commission release said.
"The commission is concerned to ensure that the aid is delivered as fast as possible, even to the most isolated villages," said Louis Michel, Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid.
The commission had allocated 3.6 million Euros on the day after the tragedy to respond to immediate humanitarian needs.
Further evaluations have since been undertaken and the 10 million Euros in the new funding will focus on needs such as food, drinking water, shelters appropriate to the region's harsh winter climate, medical materials/medicines, hygiene kits, kitchen utensils, warm clothing, blankets, shoes and psychological support for children.
Further funding may be allocated in the future as details about the scale of the needs become clearer, the commission said.
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