More EU aid for flood-hit Kerala

The European Union has allocated an additional 1 million euros in emergency aid for flood-devastated Kerala, an EU delegation to India said on Tuesday.

According to a statement, this comes on top of the initial assistance of 190,000 euros announced last month and channelled through the Indian Red Cross.

"The EU assistance will complement the national response and reach the most vulnerable communities whose livelihood, homes and belongings have been swept away by torrential rains," Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides said.

"This additional contribution is a gesture of solidarity coming from European citizens who stand by the Indian families affected by the dreadful blow," Stylianides said in the statement.

The worst floods to hit Kerala since 1924 have claimed hundreds of lives and caused widespread destruction.

"The assistance will be channelled through the EU humanitarian partners who are already working on the ground, and will take the form of essential relief items, water and sanitation, hygiene, and health-promotion activities to counter the insurgence of water-borne diseases," the statement said.

--IANS

ab/mr