Brussels, 25/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - In reaction to the violent earthquake of Monday night and Tuesday, which devastated the province of Al Hoceima in Morocco (North East of the country), the European Commission immediately released humanitarian aid of EUR 500,000 for the victims. This amount was taken from the Echo budget (Community humanitarian office) according to initial emergency procedure that enables funds to be mobilised within 72 hours. These funds will finance Spanish Red Cross led operations, which are already operational in the distribution of survival kits. In parallel, the European Commission Civil Protection Union has sent three experts out to coordinate, in close cooperation with the Moroccan authorities, rescue operations from 14 Member States that have already mobilised civil protection resources. The new Member States have announced that they will be taking part in these operations.
Initial Echo aid could also be used to fund the provision of drinking water, the distribute of hygiene, health and first aid kits. Echo is in permanent contact with the European branches of the Red Cross and NGOs for finding out exactly what needs are the most pressing.