European Union gives $75,000 in relief to hurricane victims

Hurricane Ernesto brought heavy rains in the north when it diverted to the Yucatan Peninsula. The European Union says it will be providing relief to a hundred and fifty affected families. The EU, via the European Commission and its Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department, has agreed to give over thirty thousand Euros, the equivalent of seventy-five thousand Belize dollars, to the families most affected by Ernesto on August seventh. According to the release, through its specialized national intervention teams, the Belize Red Cross Society conducted a complete damage and needs assessment of the affected areas. The Red Cross will be distributing the aid during a three month period, which will be used to replenish stocks, provide food, water, and relief items to one hundred and fifty families. A portion of the relief will be used to assist the Red Cross intervention team members during the needs assessment phase. The hurricane, a category one, primarily impacted the northern zone of the country on August seventh. The release noted that whilst there were no reported cases of injuries or deaths, there were varying degrees of damage to houses and public buildings.