EU emergency assistance to help Peru cope with flood
The EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated and €250 000 has been mobilised for emergency relief to communities affected by floods in Peru.
The European Commission has mobilised €250 000 for emergency relief assistance to Peru as the worst floods and mudslides in almost 30 years have struck the country. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism has also been activated to facilitate contributions of assistance. As an initial contribution, an environmental expert and a liaison officer from the European Commission's Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) are being deployed to the country.
"My thoughts are with the families of the flood victims in Peru. The EU reacted immediately to help people in need. We are providing both emergency funding and expertise. We are closely monitoring the situation on the ground and we stand ready to provide any further assistance that may be necessary," said EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides.
The European Commission's assistance to Peru and other South American countries focuses on providing emergency response to natural hazards and increasing the resilience and preparedness of the most affected communities. Since 2015, the European Commission has allocated over €2.7 million for disaster risk reduction projects in Peru.
Background
Peru, like other countries in South America, is highly exposed to natural hazards. Floods and droughts represent the most significant and recurring disasters. Climate change-related phenomena (including El Niño and La Niña) increase the frequency, intensity and unpredictability of such events.
The worst floods and mudslides in almost 30 years are affecting over half of Peru due to an abnormal warming of Pacific water caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon. Hundreds of buildings and infrastructure have been severely damaged, and water supplies are scarce, especially in the central and northern regions of the country. At least 78 people have died so far, over 640 000 people are affected, of which over 100 000 are in need of assistance.
EU Civil Protection Mechanism
The EU's Civil Protection Mechanism can be activated by a member state or a country outside the EU in times of crisis.
The European Commission then coordinates the voluntary offers made by participating states, and can co-finance the transport of relief items and experts to the country in question.
The mobilisation of assistance is coordinated through the Commission's Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), which closely monitors developments and offers the possibility of transport co-financing for the offered assistance.
The assistance can consist of items for immediate relief as well as experts and supporting intervention teams.
Overall, the Mechanism facilitates the cooperation in disaster response among 34 European states (28 EU Member States, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Iceland, Norway, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey).