EU €500,000 initial emergency aid to The Bahamas

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados –The European Union (EU) is mobilising an initial €500,000 in immediate emergency funding to assist those in The Bahamas affected by the category five hurricane Dorian, which devastated The Bahamas on September 2, 2019.

The funding will address urgent needs such as shelter, water, hygiene and food. The EU’s 24/7 emergency response coordination centre is in close contact with the authorities of The Bahamas to monitor the situation and channel further EU assistance. In addition, the commission has deployed a humanitarian expert to conduct a rapid needs assessment and the EU’s emergency Copernicus satellite service is currently providing maps of the area.

“Hurricane Dorian has left a large trail of destruction with many casualties and leaving homes in ruins. We will do all we can to help, getting aid into the people on the ground. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy and with The Bahamian authorities and brave first responders on the scene. The EU stands ready to provide further assistance,” said Christos Stylianides, commissioner for humanitarian aid and crisis management.

Offers have also been received from EU member states to assist with the recovery. France – 30 tonnes of humanitarian material, Luxembourg – satellite communication platform, which can provide data and voice communication to field emergency centre, Belgium – vessel with water purification system, The Netherlands – two navy vessels from St Martin carrying humanitarian cargo, including two helicopters and rubber boats.