NEW DELHI: The European Union (EU) has allocated Euro 200,000 (Rs 1.5 crore) as disaster relief for those affected due to Cyclone Fani in eastern India. The emergency assistance will benefit 25,000 cyclone-affected people of Odisha , Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. People of Cuttack , Puri , and Bhubaneswar districts of Odisha, who bore the brunt of the cyclone, will be given top priority in getting assistance, a statement from the EU said.

The funding is part of the EU’s overall contribution to the disaster relief emergency fund of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

The EU funding to support the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) in delivering life-saving assistance to the most affected families. The aid includes the distribution of emergency shelter material and relief items such as tarpaulins, mosquito nets, blankets, kitchen sets, buckets and clothing. In addition, technical support will be provided on improved shelter design and building techniques, thereby reinforcing the safety of affected families and contributing to the long-term recovery effort.

To reduce the risk to public health due to the cyclone-led devastation, epidemic prevention and control activities will also be carried out. Special attention will be given to people with high vulnerabilities such as those with disabilities and marginalised groups.

At least 64 people were killed in Odisha and over 24 lakh were affected when cyclone Fani, considered the most powerful cyclone to hit the state in 20 years, made landfall near Puri district on May 3. Bringing torrential rains and strong winds of over 175 km per hour, the cyclonic system flattened thousands of homes and caused widespread damage to infrastructure and agricultural land in Odisha and, to a lesser extent, in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. According to government data, over five lakh houses sustained damage in Odisha alone, forcing over 11 lakh people to seek shelter in over 6,500 relief camps across the state.

The European Commission, through its European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, helps over 12 crore victims of conflicts and disasters every year.

