New Delhi (NVI): The European Union today announced an initial funding of USD 5,45,000 (500,000 euros) for India to help it cushion the impact of cyclone Amphan that has left a trail of destruction behind in the states of West Bengal and Odisha.
Besides, the EU has also announced a 1,100,000 euros help for Bangladesh (USD 11,98,785.50 approx) to help it deal with the impact of natural disaster that comes amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a statement today, EU Commissioner for crisis management Janez Lenarčič said: “The European Union will address immediate needs of populations affected by the cyclone, as well as protect humanitarian aid and health workers from their exposure to the epidemic.
“The EU is determined to start helping people in need with no further delay and provides an initial funding of €500.000 for India and €1.100.000 to support the immediate response in Bangladesh.”
“We can only imagine the dire state our Indian and Bangladeshi friends are currently in. This storm hits at a time when social distancing remains essential to prevent a further spread of the coronavirus. A crisis on top of a crisis, so to say,” the EU Commissioner said in his statement.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced immediate financial assistance of Rs 1,000 crore for West Bengal which has been affected by cyclone Amphan.
The Prime Minister also conducted an aerial survey in the affected parts of West Bengal and Odisha today to take stock of the ground situation.
Nearly 80 people have been killed due to the deadly cyclonic storm that swept through several parts of Bengal, including capital Kolkata on Wednesday, with thousands of homes damaged, and trees and electric poles uprooted.
