The European Commission has approved a further € 1.55 million in extra funding for humanitarian aid to assist victims of the December 1999 floods and landslides in Venezuela. The aid, channelled via the Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO), will fund five projects over the next nine months. This brings the humanitarian aid made available to Venezuela since the flooding to € 7.15 million. This new funding will provide support for an estimated 7500 families in need of assistance. Population groups most affected by floods are still living in precarious conditions in the northern states of the country. The aid will consist of technical support to peasant families attempting to re-start economic activity, the implementation of a water and sanitation system for indigenous people living in houses on stilts and the integration process for resettled families who previously lost their houses and belongings. The assistance provided also includes a psychological support programme targeting children and mothers, as well as access to socio-educational activities for those living in temporary shelters.