EU Announces Initial Funding Of 500,000 Euros For Cyclone Amphan-Affected People In India

EU's commissioner for crisis management Janez Lenarcic said, "The European Union will address immediate needs of populations affected by the cyclone, as well as protect humanitarian aid and health workers from their exposure to the epidemic."

People and police personnel gather around a tree that fell on electric lines on a street after the landfall of cyclone Amphan in Kolkata on May 21, 2020. (Image: STR / AFP)

New Delhi: The European Union has announced EUR 5 lakhs as initial funding for India to battle the mass destruction caused by the extremely severe cyclonic storm Amphan in West Bengal and Odisha. European Union has also offered the aid of 1.1 million Euros to Bangladesh which was also affected by the catastrophic cyclone Amphan. In a statement, EU's commissioner for crisis management Janez Lenarcic said, "The European Union will address immediate needs of populations affected by the cyclone, as well as protect humanitarian aid and health workers from their exposure to the epidemic. The EU is determined to start helping people in need with no further delay and provides initial funding of €500.000 for India and €1.100.000 to support the immediate response in Bangladesh."

Dozens of people have lost their lives as #CycloneAmphan has come ashore southwest of Kolkata in eastern #India and is making its way further north-east towards #Bangladesh. The ???????? provides initial funding to support the immediate response. My statement????https://t.co/xxAZrSubyx

— Janez Lenarčič (@JanezLenarcic) May 21, 2020

Lenarcic also expressed grief over those affected by the cyclone," My thoughts are with the brave people who have been affected by tropical cyclone Amphan and especially those who have lost their loved ones. I am saddened to learn about fatalities in both India and Bangladesh, and the extent of destruction caused by strong winds, flooding, and landslides, also damaging houses, infrastructure, and livelihoods. The super cyclone Amphan claimed the lives of 80 people in West Bengal after the cyclone hit the state with a speed of 190kmph at Digha Coast. There were widespread power cuts in large parts of Kolkata, North 24 Paraganas, and South Paraganas. Mobile, internet services, and electricity were also down in parts as the cyclone had damaged several communication towers and the electrical grid. Around 45 lakh people were also affected by the super Cyclone Amphan in Odisha. On Friday, PM Modi also announced financial aid to West Bengal and Odisha. PM had stated that Centre will provide Rs 1000 Cr financial help to West Bengal and Rs 500 Crore to Odisha. .