By Abdullahi Lukman
The European Union has stepped up humanitarian assistance to Nepal following one of the country’s deadliest floods in decades, sending 82 tonnes of emergency supplies and providing an additional €500,000 to support relief operations.
The first EU humanitarian air bridge flight, organised with UNICEF, arrived in Nepal carrying essential supplies for nutrition, healthcare, water and sanitation, shelter, education and protection.
The additional funding will be channelled through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ disaster response emergency fund to address urgent needs.
Several European countries are also contributing emergency equipment through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Luxembourg, Germany, Latvia and Norway are providing items including life jackets, hygiene and kitchen kits, blankets, medical supplies, protective equipment and emergency energy equipment.
The latest assistance builds on €2 million in emergency humanitarian aid allocated by the European Commission on August 28, in addition to nearly €3 million provided to Nepal in 2026 for disaster preparedness.
EU-funded humanitarian partners are already supporting affected communities, while the Copernicus emergency satellite mapping service has been activated to assist response efforts. EU Rapid Response and Logistic Coordinators for Asia have also been deployed.
European Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib said the EU would continue supporting Nepal through the immediate emergency and its recovery.
The European Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre operates around the clock, coordinating assistance between EU member states, participating countries, humanitarian agencies and Nepalese authorities.
