Following the earthquake that yesterday afternoon shook the Democratic Republic of Haiti, on Minister Frattini's instructions the Directorate General for Development Cooperation (DGCS) went into immediate action.
Two financial contributions were earmarked for international agencies operating on the ground: 500,000 euro to the World Food Program to meet the emergency food needs of the populations affected, and another 500,000 euro within the context of the emergency healthcare programme being set up by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
The DGCS will also be participating in a coordinated Italian mission made possible by a flight arranged by the Civil Defence Department scheduled to leave soon for Haiti.
The DGCS intends to assess needs on the ground and within a logistical/operational framework ahead of the arrangement of a flight carrying emergency supplies.
The DGCS, along with representatives of the Italian civil society, will also be studying additional forms of intervention that could be useful in the phases subsequent to this initial rescue phase.