THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No.1257/96 of 20 June 1996 concerning humanitarian aid, and in particular Article 2(a) and Article 13 thereof;

Whereas:

(1) The Indian state of Assam experienced heavy rainfall which resulted in significant flooding in the 3rd week of June 2012, with a death toll of 116 people on 5 July (with 16 missing), and nearly 300,000 displaced in 536 camps across 12 districts, and with over 2 million people affected by the flooding.

(2) There have been as many as 42 breaches of embankments/dykes by the River Brahmaputra and its tributaries in 14 districts, which has caused the most severe devastation. Almost the whole length of the Brahmaputra Valley in the state has been affected, with 4 districts classified as "most-affected".

(3) 65,000 hectares of crop land have been affected. Paddy for harvesting or the beds for paddy seedlings have been severely damaged or lost, together with significant loss of livestock in all areas. The extent of shelter damage is still being assessed by the government.

(4) The local response to the relief needs of the affected population has been satisfactory so far, but the question of early recovery needs remains. Receding water has showed that the damage was less than initially feared, but the monsoon season is just starting and Assam is a highly flood-prone state.

(5) Concerns remain about the socially marginalised groups (low caste, tribals and religious minorities), who are often excluded from assistance. Pledges from international donors are very limited and are expected to remain so.

(6) Needs assessments carried out by the Commission and its humanitarian partners indicate that urgent provision of emergency humanitarian aid, focusing mostly on food assistance, shelter, water and sanitation, is essential for the survival of the most vulnerable victims.

(7) To reach populations in need, humanitarian aid should be channelled through nongovernmental Organisations (NGOs) and international organisations including United Nations (UN) agencies. Therefore the European Commission should implement the budget by direct centralised management or by joint management.

(8) Humanitarian aid actions financed by this Decision should be of a maximum duration of 6 months.

(9) It is estimated that an amount of EUR 2,000,000 from budget article 23 02 01 of the general budget of the European Union is necessary to provide humanitarian assistance to over 80,000 flood victims, taking into account the available budget, other donors' contributions and other factors. The activities covered by this Decision may be financed in full in accordance with Article 253 of the Implementing Rules of the Financial Regulation.

(10) The present Decision constitutes a financing Decision within the meaning of Article 75 of the Financial Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 and Article 90 of the detailed rules for the implementation of the Financial Regulation determined by Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002.

(11) Pursuant to Article 13 of Council Regulation (EC) N° 1257/96, the opinion of the Humanitarian Aid Committee is not required.