The Ministry for Foreign Affairs is responding to the UN's appeal for emergency aid made earlier this week by granting 300,000 euros to assist earthquake victims in Peru and 300,000 euros to assist flood victims in North Korea. The support is directed to the United Nations World Food Programme, the WFP. The WFP targets its food aid at those in the weakest position, such as children and pregnant women.
The earthquake experienced in Peru in mid-August killed more than 500 people, over 1,000 people were injured and about 40,000 houses were destroyed. Estimates are that about 200,000 people have suffered in consequence of the earthquake.
The floods caused by torrential rains in North Korea have left 500 people dead, 240,000 houses were destroyed and nearly a million people are thought to be in need of humanitarian aid.
Additional information: Counsellor Erik af Hällström, Unit for Humanitarian Assistance, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 6286