ip/97/241
The European Commission approves humanitarian
aid of a total amount of ECU 1.84 million for Ecuador (440.000 ECU), Peru
(600.000 ECU) and Bolivia (800.000 ECU). This aid comes forward following
a series of natural disasters, mainly droughts and floodings. The aid,
managed by the European Community Humanitarian Office (ECHO), will be distributed
by the Red Cross and Caritas.
A prolonged period of drought in the
Provinces of Loja and El Oro (south-west of Ecuador) hit 34,000 people,
most of whom live in poor rural communities. The affected population has
lost its source of income and approximately 8,000 persons have migrated
to other areas, ECHO (European Community Humanitarian Office) has approved
emergency humanitarian aid worth ECU 440,000 in order to distribute food,
water and medecines. ECHO's partner, Caritas Spain, with the cooperation
of
Caritas Ecuador, will also undertake the improvement of water conservation
and storage capacity.
In Peru, ECHO has also financed emergency
humanitarian aid worth ECU 600,000 for thousands of people rendered homeless
by heavy flooding and mudslides in which 43 people have already died. ECHO's
partner, the Spanish Red Cross
(through the Peruvian Red Cross) will distribute food to the victims. It
is intended to benefit about 20,000 people in the areas
of Apurimac, San Martin, Cusco and Puno.
ECHO's contribution in Ecuador and Peru amounted to a total of MECU 1.56 in 1996
Heavy rains in Bolivia during the last
two months have resulted in floods, river flooding and landslides causing
damage both to population and infrastructure, and destroying crops and
housing. The Eastern part of Bolivia has been particulary badly hit, affecting
more than 6,000 families. An amount of ECU 800,000 has been approved by
ECHO in order to allow Caritas
Bolivia to supply medical and food aid, reconstruction material and clothing.