Brussels, 20/08/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Saturday 18 August the European Commission decided to increase its emergency aid to victims of an earthquake that occurred three days earlier in the Ica region south of Lima. 500 people were killed in the disaster. This aid is aimed at the 50,000 of the most vulnerable populations in the zones affected. Louis Michel, the Commissioner for humanitarian aid explained in a press release that, “It is crucial to help those who are suffering from the consequences of the earthquake rapidly and effectively. People need medical assistance, clean water, food and shelter, as the earthquake-affected region is currently facing a cold spell especially at night." The aid will also go to the re-establishment of emergency telecommunications facilities.
The day after the earthquake, José Manuel Barroso, the president of the European Commission send a letter of condolence to Alan Garcia, president of the Republic of Peru, in which he expressed this “great sadness” following this tragic event, as well as his profound sympathy for the families of the victims. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the Commissioner in charge of external relations also provided the Peruvian authorities with assurances of Commission support. Peru will be hosting the EU/Latin America summit in spring 2008. (mb)