EU releases 1 mln euros as initial aid to Ecuador quake victims

The European Union here on Monday released 1 million euros (1.13 million U.S. dollars) as initial humanitarian aid to the victims of the earthquake in Ecuador.

The assistance will be delivered through EU's humanitarian partners in the country.

According to a press release issued by the European Commission, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism was activated upon the request of Ecuadorian authorities and the United Nations, requesting emergency assistance such as urban search and rescue teams (USAR) and night lights as well as expertise.

The mobilization of assistance is coordinated through the Commission's Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), which closely monitors developments. Offers of assistance are incoming from Spain, France, Poland and other participating states.

First deployments are already underway since the early hours of Monday, with the EU facilitating logistics and co-financing the transport of emergency assets to the affected areas. Moreover, advanced satellite imagery generated through EU's Copernicus system is being provided to Ecuador to facilitate the assessment of damage in the areas around the epicenter and beyond.

"The EU is fully committed to supporting the international relief efforts to assist the thousands affected by the earthquake in Ecuador. We are already channeling emergency assistance through the EU civil protection mechanism, to provide lifesaving support to those in need. The Commission's humanitarian experts are also on their way to the affected areas to assist in relief efforts and assess the need for further assistance," said Christos Stylianides, EU Commissioner for humanitarian aid and crisis management.

A 7.8- magnitude earthquake occurred at 06:58 p.m. local time Saturday off Ecuador's northwest coast.

The earthquake has left at least 262 dead and 2,527 others injured, Ecuador's Vice President Jorge Glas said Sunday. Enditem