EU mobilizing emergency response in face of Hurricane Irma

The European Union [EU] is mobilizing its emergency response instruments to assist countries affected or threatened by Hurricane Irma.

This is according to information disseminated by the Guyana EU’s office.

High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini said: “The European Union fully supports our partners and friends in the Caribbean region and beyond at this time of great need. We are heartfelt with all the victims and all the people affected by Hurricane Irma. ”

The Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides added: “The EU is working continuously to help countries and areas affected by this disaster. As a global player in the emergency response to disasters we have already taken immediate steps to prepare all our crisis response instruments. “Our European Emergency Center and our humanitarian aid offices in the region of the Caribbean closely follow all developments.”

As a first step, the European satellite mapping system Copernicus was activated at the request of France and the Copernicus satellites provided maps to Guadeloupe, Saint Barthelemy and Saint Martin. Haiti and the Dominican Republic have also received Copernicus support and it is ready for use in other areas. In addition, a team of humanitarian experts from the European Commission is present in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Additional personnel are ready to be deployed in the affected areas as needed.

The Commission’s 24/7 Crisis Response Coordination Center has contacted the countries participating in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and is prepared to provide the assistance required by the affected countries. The Regional Humanitarian Aid Office of the Commission in Managua, which acts as the focal point for the Caribbean region, is fully operational to coordinate any assistance that may be required. The EU recently helped the US authorities in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey by providing satellite imagery via its Copernicus system. In addition, the EU Solidarity Fund could be mobilized to support the reconstruction efforts on the ground.