Brussels, 02/12/2014 (Agence Europe) - European solidarity is being delivered through the EU's civil protection mechanism. On Tuesday 2 December, the European Commission announced that this gesture of solidarity would help the Cape Verde authorities deal with a volcanic eruption on the island of Fogo.
The EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated upon the request of Cape Verde. Portugal offered in-kind assistance through the Mechanism. A navy vessel with specialised telecommunications equipment, a helicopter and relief items such as beds, blankets and disposable respiratory protection masks are on their way. The European Commission is supporting the transport costs. In addition, two civil protection experts are being sent to support The United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination mission to Cape Verde.
The Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) is in close contact with the Cape Verde authorities as well as the 31 countries taking part in the EU's civil protection mechanism (the 28 EU member states, as well as FYROM, Iceland and Norway). Lava flows and eruptions have intensified in recent days and the national authorities have ordered the evacuation of several hundreds of residents. (AN)