EU allocates €2 million in emergency aid to flood victims in Nepal

KATHMANDU: European Union on Friday allocated €2 million in emergency humanitarian aid to assist victims of a massive flash flood in Nepal, which has claimed more than 900 lives as of Monday.

The emergency assistance aims to address critical immediate needs across affected communities, providing food, healthcare, clean water and sanitation. Relief operations are already under way, with EU-funded partners delivering aid on the ground.

This latest funding builds on nearly €3 million in humanitarian assistance released to Nepal at the start of the year for disaster preparedness. Immediately following the floods, local EU-funded partners began distributing emergency relief items and pre-stocked shelter supplies.

To strengthen management of the crisis, the EU is sending its Rapid Response Coordinator for Asia to assist with international efforts. The EU has also activated its Copernicus satellite service to generate mapping data of the inundated areas to assist local emergency teams.

Hadja Lahbib, EU Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, said, "Roads washed away. Villages cut off. Families searching for missing loved ones. The flash floods in Nepal have shattered communities already rebuilding from past disasters. The EU stands with them, allocating €2 million to bring urgent healthcare, food, water and shelter."