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EU provides additional support of 118,000 euros for Albania floods

Xinhua, February 18, 2015 Adjust font size:

The European Commission Tuesday announced additional support of 118,000 euros (134,555 U.S. dollars) to cover the needs of people affected by floods in Albania, the Albanian Telegraphic Agency reported.

Some 8,000 people in the most badly-hit areas will receive food parcels, hygiene kits and blankets thanks to the aid.

These funds are being provided via the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and will be channeled through the Albanian Red Cross.

The financial assistance comes on top of aid provided by several EU member states via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, that has also deployed a team to Albania to liaise with national authorities and facilitate the coordination of the incoming assistance.

"The additional funding and generous assistance provided by Austria, Croatia, Slovakia and Montenegro will help those in need and prevent further suffering," said Christos Stylianides, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response.

"When a disaster strikes, an immediate, coordinated and pre-planned response is essential. This is an example of European solidarity put into practice," he added.

Over the past weeks, continuous heavy rainfall and severe flooding have damaged thousands of houses in Albania and forced many to leave their homes. More than 600 families have been evacuated from the worst-hit areas. The floods have also severely damaged infrastructure and agriculture. Endit