Responding to a recent hailstorm and heavy rain that struck Manipur in early May, the European Union has stepped up to offer assistance. The EU has allocated over 22.6 million rupees to provide crucial aid to the most affected individuals in some of the worst-hit areas.
The European Union’s delegation to Bharat and Bhutan released a statement announcing the humanitarian aid. They stated that the EU has made available EUR250,000, which translates to over 22.6 million Bharatiya currency, to support Manipur. This aid will be instrumental in helping more than 1,500 vulnerable families who have been severely impacted by the natural disaster.
🇪🇺has made available €250,000 (> INR 22.6 mn) in response to the recent hailstorm & heavy rain that hit 🇮🇳 #Manipur early May.
Aid will be delivered by 🇪🇺humanitarian partner ADRA & will benefit >1500 most vulnerable families.👇https://t.co/RhnhSnW0Vo
— EU in India (@EU_in_India) May 29, 2024
On May 5, a severe hailstorm battered large parts of Manipur, causing extensive damage to over 48,000 houses, infrastructure, and agricultural lands across 16 districts. The hailstones, measuring up to four to five inches, pounded the region for 15 minutes, leaving a trail of destruction. The intensity of the storm also led to major flooding in urban areas, resulting in power outages.
It’s worth noting that the relationship between Bharat and the EU has deep historical roots. Dating back to the early 1960s, Bharat was among the first natiobs to establish diplomatic ties with the European Economic Community.
Over the years, the partnership between Bharat and the EU has been strengthened, evolving into a ‘Strategic Partnership’ at the 5th India-EU Summit in 2004.
European Union Ambassador to Bharat, Herve Delphin, emphasized the significance of Bharat’s role in the EU’s global strategy. At an event celebrating Europe Day in New Delhi, Delphin highlighted Bharat as a nation of tremendous importance for the EU. He expressed his optimism about further deepening the partnership between the two entities.
The Europe Day celebration, held on May 9 every year, commemorates peace and unity in Europe. The event in New Delhi saw the presence of distinguished guests, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar serving as the chief guest. It provided a platform to reaffirm the strong bonds between Bharat and the European Union, particularly in times of crisis and need.
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