The European Union (EU) has announced an additional €20,000 (approximately 615,000 lempiras) in humanitarian aid to support flood-affected communities in Honduras, particularly in Ocotepeque. This new funding builds on the €150,000 provided in July and aims to help around 5,000 people impacted by prolonged heavy rains. The assistance will be implemented through the Honduran Red Cross to improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. Efforts will include the distribution of water filtration systems and hygiene kits, as well as measures to prevent waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases.
This latest contribution is part of the EU’s ongoing support to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) managed by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Since June, heavy rains in Ocotepeque have caused widespread flooding and landslides, destroying homes, crops, and essential infrastructure. Repeated rainfall in the following months has worsened the situation, further damaging already vulnerable communities and leaving many without access to safe drinking water.
The European Union and its Member States remain the largest global donors of humanitarian aid, focusing on saving lives, alleviating suffering, and protecting human dignity. Through the European Commission’s Department of Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, the EU delivers assistance to millions of people affected by crises worldwide. Its €12 million humanitarian partnership with the IFRC supports the DREF, enabling rapid response to disasters through immediate financial assistance for national Red Cross and Red Crescent operations, reinforcing Europe’s commitment to global solidarity and resilience.
