Brussels, 28/01/2010 (Agence Europe) - A fortnight after the earthquake in Haiti, as Jose Manuel Barroso is announcing imminent proposals by the next Commission for stepping up the EU rapid response capability (EUROPE 10065), the outgoing Commission wishes to underline the effectiveness of European civilian protection teams still working in Haiti. A water purification module set up by France is now operational in Port-au-Prince and provides 20,000 litres of drinking water daily. An advanced medical post with surgery developed by Italy has been set up next to a children's hospital in Port-au-Prince and is treating around 50 patients a day, almost all requiring extensive surgery due to massive trauma. In addition, the amount of EU financial support awarded or requested for transport of assistance to Haiti now stands at over €3 million.
“The EU response to the terrible tragedy in Haiti has been quick and effective. Our civil protection team on the ground is doing a tremendous job in difficult circumstances. For the population of Haiti, a difficult time awaits (…). Together with our colleagues from humanitarian aid and under the guidance of Commission Vice-President Ashton, we will continue to assist the Haitians in the aftermath of this terrible event”, said Stavros Dimas, Environment Commissioner, speaking on Wednesday 27 January.
The same day, the European civil protection team which was on the ground 36 hours after the earthquake to coordinate the efforts of 819 national experts sent by 24 European countries (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom plus Iceland and Norway) passed on the task to a fresh team. The new team consists of experts from four countries (Italy, Denmark, France and Sweden) as well as two liaison officers from the Commission's Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC), the pivotal body of the Community civil protection mechanism housed at DG Environment). It will continue to work in cooperation with UNDAC (UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination unit) and OCHA (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs). At Port-au-Prince, its task will be to identify further civil protection needs and facilitate the coordination of assistance channelled through the Community, in close cooperation with other European actors (e.g. German coordinator THW, Belgian B-Fast team, and Spanish international cooperation agency). (A.N./transl.jl)