§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what aid(a) has been given and (b) is planned to be given to assist people affected by the earthquake in Colombia; and what discussions she has had with representatives of the Colombian Government regarding the earthquake. [69012]
§ Clare ShortIn total so far, my Department has contributed US$1 million through humanitarian agencies. In addition, the European Community's Humanitarian Office is providing $1.25 million of relief, of which the UK's share is around $187,500.
Our funds are supporting the Pan American Health Organisation to deploy epidemiology specialists, conduct damage assessment to health facilities, water and sewerage infrastructure and purchase medical supplies; the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to bring life-saving assistance to 100,000 people; Oxfam for a programme to provide drinking water for 80,000 people, as well as emergency shelter and household utensils, concentrating particularly on the poorer districts of the city of Armenia and outlying towns; and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to cover the immediate needs of children including those orphaned or separated from their families. Funds were also allocated to the British Embassy, Bogota for the local purchase of urgently needed medicines and chemical toilets.
We have been in contact with the Colombian authorities managing the relief operation through our Embassy in Bogota. We continue to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with the humanitarian agencies involved in the relief effort. My Department is willing to consider further requests to assist vulnerable groups where specific unmet needs are identified.