EU supports people affected by floods in Myanmar, Bangladesh

The European Union (EU) Thursday said it was providing emergency support to Myanmar and Bangladesh following floods and mudslides which affected thousands of people.

According to a statement by the European Commission, Myanmar would be given 1 million euros (about 1.09 U.S. dollars) and Bangladesh 500,000 euros.

"The EU stands by the people affected by the floods both in Myanmar and Bangladesh. With more rain on its way, the key priority now is to make sure people are safe -- and then to help them rebuild their livelihoods," Christos Stylianides, EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, said.

The aid would be targeted at providing essential support such as food assistance and nutrition, shelter, water and sanitation.

Myanmar has been experiencing heavy torrential rains since the end of June. Reports indicate that 69 people lost their lives, with some 259,000 people affected across 12 of Myanmar's 14 regions since June 2015.

Bangladesh has also seen heavy floods and landslides as a result of pre-monsoon heavy rains occurring during the last week of June.

"Our new humanitarian funding will provide immediate help to those in need through our partners on the ground," the commissioner said.

This is a first funding decision and further support could be allocated depending on the needs on the ground, the statement said. Endit