EU Allocates Humanitarian Aid To Santo Domingo

The European Commission allocates humanitarian aid to Santo Domingo for the victims of the tropical storm
Noel

The European Commission has decided to allocate 1.5 million euros emergency aid for the victims of the flooding caused by torrential rain in the wake of the tropical storm Noel in the Dominican Republic.

The funds, managed by the Commission's humanitarian aid department headed by Commissioner Louis Michel, will allow the most urgent needs to be covered for close to 100 000 people in the areas hardest hit by the floods.

The funds will be used to improve sanitary conditions and distribute food in the temporary shelters where over 56 000 people have taken refuge, as well as to distribute drinking water and basic essentials such as blankets, hygiene and kitchen kits and jerry cans.

The Dominican Republic was hit by the tropical storm Noel on 26 October. Several days of heavy rainfall were followed by a tropical wave of torrential rain on 30 October, and on 31 October the country appealed for international aid. According to official sources and the Red Cross, 80% of the country is seriously affected.

Over 56 000 people are currently living in temporary shelters and a further 41 000 have had to seek refuge with friends and relatives. The floods have led to landslides, destroyed houses, bridges and drinking water systems and caused considerable losses of crops and livestock.

ENDS

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