06/09/2019 (Agence Europe) – The EU is mobilising a first emergency aid package of €500,000 to help those affected by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, the Commission announced on Friday 6 September. These funds from ECHO's (the institution's humanitarian aid department) budget will cover needs for shelter, drinking water, food and hygiene. "We will do all we can to help, getting aid in to the people on the ground. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragedy (...) The EU stands ready to provide further assistance," said Christos Stylianides, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid. The Commission has deployed a Humanitarian Expert to conduct a rapid needs assessment. The EU has provided satellite maps of the damaged area through its Copernicus programme. The Emergency Response Coordination Centre is closely monitoring the situation. (AN)