ISLAMABAD: The European Union said on Tuesday it would scale-up its assistance to people affected by recent floods in Pakistan by Rs6.7 billion (€30 million).

The announcement came during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič. The Commissioner is visiting Pakistan this week to get a first-hand impression of the impact of the catastrophic floods and ongoing relief efforts.

Floods in Pakistan this monsoon season have killed 1,600 people and left 33 million scrambling to survive. The government has put initial estimates of the damages at $30 billion. 

The European Union and its member states have already committed €93 million to Pakistan to date. With the additional funds announced today, €123 million has been committed. In addition, European civil protection agencies have provided in-kind donations of tents, blankets, medical equipment as well as experts and technicians.

“This new funding aims to address the most urgent needs such as basic shelters, clean drinking water and sanitation, food and nutrition as well as medical services.” the EU said. 

“The actions funded by the European Union will ensure that women, children and other vulnerable people are protected from further harm and that children have again access to education as quickly as possible. Cash assistance will enable people cover their basic needs and to rebuild their homes and livelihoods. Given the scale of the crisis, the psychological impact on affected people will also be taking into account.”

Lenarčič said with the new funding, the EU had reaffirmed its continued support to Pakistan.

“Once again, however, nature reminded us of the impact of global warming,” he said. “Mainstreaming disaster preparedness and prevention in EU funded projects will therefore remain our top priority within the provision of humanitarian assistance.”

Upon arrival in Pakistan, Lenarcic traveled to Khipro in Sindh province to understand the scale of the disaster, speak to affected communities and see the European assistance that is already provided on the ground. He visited a water purification plant run by a Danish civil protection team and a humanitarian project implemented by an EU-funded international non-governmental organization.