OneWorld.net (U.S.)

BRUSSELS (IPS): The European Commission has proposed an additional 80-million-euro package of aid and reconstruction money to earthquake ravaged Pakistan.

The European Union (EU) executive said Monday 30 million euros will be earmarked to meet the immediate needs of the survivors of the Oct. 8 quake, with 50 million euros going to rebuilding costs.

The proposed aid is in addition to 13.6 million euros in emergency humanitarian aid already released by the EU, bringing the total proposed for 2005 and 2006 to 93.6 million euros.

The earthquake has so far killed more than 53,000 people, injured some 75,000 and left another 3.3 million homeless in Pakistan.

Louis Michel, EU commissioner for development and humanitarian aid says the relief effort is "a race against the clock."

"We are facing an enormous humanitarian catastrophe and with winter just around the corner, a second humanitarian disaster looms for the four million people without a roof over their heads and the 70,000 injured people needing medical attention," he said in a statement Monday.

"Aid funding must be significantly increased to speed up the purchase and delivery of tents, blankets and other assistance as well to boost the transport capacity of humanitarian agencies," he added.

Benita Ferrero-Waldner, commissioner for external relations gave Pakistan the EU's long-term support.

"With millions now homeless, and practically all infrastructure destroyed, the challenge of reconstructing lives and livelihoods in the aftermath of this terrible natural disaster will be with us for many years. Pakistan can count on Europe as a friend and reliable partner not only in this moment of crisis, but also in the long years of hard work to come," she said.

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SOURCE: IPS Terra Viva