2.7 million dollars to avoid disasters

Cambodge Soir

08-10-2008

The European Commission, which is supporting a risk reduction program in South-East Asia, will spend 2 million euros over two years in the most vulnerable provinces of Cambodia.

The Dipecho European funding program for the prevention of natural disasters received a budget of 10 million euros (13.6 million dollars) to lead risk reduction actions in South-East Asia, particularly in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, East-Timor and Vietnam, indicated the European Commission delegation in Phnom Penh, in a communiqué of Wednesday 8 October.

Between 2008 and 2010 the European Commission will be spending 2 million euros (2.7 million dollars) in the vulnerable provinces of Cambodia.

“Due to its geographical situation, Cambodia is particularly affected by floods and drought, reminds the Commission. It is imperative to take prevention measures and this is the reason why the Dipecho projects are organised around the local needs.”

The projects which emphasise the education of the people are focused on the youth, through trainings dedicated to risk reduction, and games and advice offered to school children.

On Thursday 9 October, the international risk reduction day, marking the anniversary of the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan, will put the emphasis on “the disaster free hospitals”.

A.L.G.