The European Commission has now committed €22.6 million in aid for Nepal to assist “relief and early recovery”.
Shortly after last week’s earthquake, the EC pledged €6 million.
The increase was made after EU Commissioner responsible for humanitarian aid, Christos Stylianidis, returned from a four-day mission to Kathmandu.
“We have to beat the monsoon season. That’s due in around 3 or 4 weeks and if we’re in the same situation then, the change in the weather will create massive problems,” he explained.
His statement outlined priority areas:
“First, shelter is the number one priority. Together with food and clean water.
Second, rural and remote areas are a pressing priority.
Third, we are in a race with time. To take the necessary measures in order to avoid a deterioration of the situation as a result of the Monsoon season which is about to start.
Nepal needs our continuous support. Europe can make a real positive impact in the wake of this massive destruction.”
The Commissioner noted that the EC’s contribution coupled with funding from countries in the EU reached up to €40 million.
