Nepal earthquake: the EU's emergency response
The European Union is showing tangible solidarity with Nepal in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that hit the country last Saturday. European experts, life-saving assets and funds are already making a difference in the crucial early days of the response. The EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides i is travelling to the country today to assess the situation and make sure Europe's support continues to help efficiently where it's most needed.
Within the first 24 hours after the disaster struck, the European Commission had dispatched humanitarian experts to Nepal and mobilised € 3 millionto help address the most urgent needs: clean water, food, medicine, emergency shelter and telecommunications. The EU funding is helping as a priority the most vulnerable groups. The aid is channelled via humanitarian organisations operating on the ground.
The EU Civil Protection Mechanism i was activated immediately to coordinate the assistance offered by the Member States, such as rescue teams and material aid.
In the days following the disaster, the Commission has deployed more humanitarian aid and civil protection experts (including engineers) to the affected areas. They are working side by side with the Nepalese authorities and international partners on the ground to make sure that the EU assistance is plugged efficiently in the overall response and goes where it is most needed.
The Copernicus Emergency Management Service has been activated for the provision of satellite images/maps of the disaster area to support the rescue operations.
The European Commission's Emergency Response Coordination Centre monitors developments and coordinates the European support. It runs regular coordination meetings with Member States and international organisations.
Aid from the Member States
Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Spain and the United Kingdom, as well as Norway, are participating in the joint European assistance effort so far.
The European Commission can co-finance the provision of aid from Member States via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
In addition, Member States have mobilised bilateral financial aid for Nepal which currently stands at a least €25 million.
Assistance offered through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism
Belgium
Medium Urban Search and Rescue team
Czech
Republic
Medical Trauma Team
Denmark
1 operational coordination centre (OSOCC);
3 light base modules;
4 ICT modules
Estonia
Medium Urban Search and Rescue team
Finland
Medium Urban Search and Rescue team
France
Water Purification Module
150 tents
Germany
Water Purification Module
Greece
Medium Urban Search and Rescue team
Italy
Forward medical team
Advanced Medical Post*
Netherlands
Heavy Urban Search and Rescue team
Norway
Medium Urban Search and Rescue team
Poland
Heavy Urban Search and Rescue team
Sweden
1 Operational coordination centre (TASK);
Heavy Urban Search and Rescue team
Spain
Water purification modules + Jerry Cans;
4x4 family tents all weather;
Tarpaulins; Kitchen Sets;
Blankets; Hygienic Kits, latrines;
United Kingdom
Urban Search and Rescue team
180 body bags,
Forward Medical team
*Acceptance pending
** Some contributions not deployed as of yet
Needs on the ground
The immediate needs include shelter, food, medical supplies, telecommunications equipment, clean water and sanitation.
Logistics are a major challenge for relief operations in the mountainous region, including the limited airport capacity.
MEMO/15/4897
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