The European Union (EU) contributed €1.85 million to address emergencies recorded in Peru as a result of heavy rains, overflowing rivers and floods that continue to lash several regions.
The said resources will serve to finance four disaster prevention and preparedness projects in Peru’s northern regions —the worst-hit— as well as at the national level.
Funds will also be used for essential goods, mosquito nets and safe water.
In addition, a team of 13 European experts in crisis, water, sanitation and hydrology management (from Germany, Spain, France, the Netherlands and Sweden) are already working with national authorities in emergency response coordination from Lima and Piura.
The said funds and professional assistance were sent following the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism at the request of the Peruvian Government.
“We have reacted immediately at the request of the Peruvian Government and we are providing emergency funds and experts,” EU Ambassador to Peru Irene Horejs said.
The EU official added the union monitors the situation closely, focusing particularly on northern areas like Piura to provide the necessary assistance.
“We are combining all our efforts. For instance, we are using European satellite Copernicus imagery, which allows our experts to create emergency maps showing the extension of floods, thus making them more efficient in their [response] actions,” she concluded.
(END) NDP/MVF/DHT/RMB
Published: 4/1/2017