EU to donate to flood-hit SE Asian nations, including Thailand

BANGKOK, 21 October 2011 (NNT) – The European Union has prepared a fund of 10 million EUR for donation to flood-ravaged countries within Southeast Asia, including Thailand. Up to one million flood victims are estimated to benefit from the aid.

EU Ambassador to Thailand David Lipman announced that the EU had resolved to provide monetary aid for Thailand as well as Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines and Vietnam, which had all been devastated by severe flooding. The fund is worth 10 million EUR or about 400 million THB and is expected to help relieve the suffering of up to one million citizens of the five flood-hit nations.

According to Mr Lipman, he will personally present the assistance money to the Flood Relief Operation Center at Don Mueang Airport. A part of the amount is to be spent on acquiring flat-bottomed boats, necessary items, drinking water and floating toilets for distribution to flood victims.

The ambassador added that EU officials were currently coordinating relief efforts in troubled areas with representatives from disaster mitigation agencies, NGOs, the United Nations and the Red Cross.