BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — The European Commission’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO) is providing EC$675,000 (One EC dollar =US$0.37 cents) in emergency humanitarian aid to Dominica, following the severe destruction caused by Hurricane Maria earlier this week.

The relief will address urgent needs and will include basic kits for survival, clean water and food, construction material and fuel, as well as additional logistical support to reach isolated communities.

In a statement on Friday, the EU said a humanitarian expert in rapid response is already in Dominica while additional EU humanitarian technical assistance is scheduled to arrive shortly to support the national authorities to deliver relief to the population.

“This is the time when friends show solidarity to the countries affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria. I commend the resilience and dignity of Dominicans at these harsh times. We will spare no effort in contributing to the reconstruction of the beautiful island of Dominica,” said the EU’s ambassador to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and CARICOM/CARIFORUM, Daniela Tramacere.

In the aftermath of the devastation, to date the European Union Member States of the United Kingdom, Belgium and France have already offered in-kind assistance that will be channelled through the same European Civil Protection Mechanism.