EU pledges 3 million euros in aid to Haiti

BRUSSELS - The European Union’s executive Wednesday sent 3 million euros ($4.3 million) in aid to earthquake-hit Haiti, with more funding expected in the coming days.

One EU expert is already on the way to the island from the neighbouring Dominican Republic to try and see how else Europe can help the quake victims, with six more expected to fly out within hours, European Commission officials said.

The immediate needs are expected to include fresh water, communication equipment, shelter and medical supplies.

“We can expect a lot of people needing medical attention in the coming hours and days,” commission spokesman John Clancy said.

Separately, Belgium offered water-purification equipment and search teams, Sweden offered tents, water purification and medical field posts, and Luxembourg offered an urban search-and-rescue team as part of the overall EU effort.

The commission, the EU’s executive, is expected to send further funding once the situation on the ground becomes clearer.