EC Provides Fast-Track Aid for Typhoon Victims

A rapid response team from the Commission's humanitarian aid department (ECHO) is also being sent to Vietnam to assess needs in the stricken area. The most recent reports from Vietnam are that at least 347,000 homes have been destroyed or damaged with alarming information is also emerging from Cambodia. Karel De Gucht, the European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, said: “Ketsana has brought misery and suffering to many more people now that it has struck the mainland of Southeast Asia. We need to get help to the affected people as quickly as possible, which is why we are mobilizing more financial and human resources. “These initial fast-track funds are for basic emergency needs but we recognize that people may need humanitarian support for some time after this tragedy. We are ready to boost our support further, if required,” Karel De Gucht said.