91998E3406

WRITTEN QUESTION P-3406/98

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(9 November 1998)

Subject: Humanitarian aid for the victims of the Atiworo fireball

On 17 October 1998, the Atiworo fireball disaster took the lives of over seven hundred Nigerians.

It is estimated that some 1000 more are suffering in hospitals woefully unequipped to deal with their injuries. Many of those critically ill who were taken to hospital have since been spirited away by friends and relatives for fear that the victims may be arrested.

Has the Commission offered to provide medical aid and assistance so that the authorities in Nigeria may help the Atiworo victims?

Answer given by Mrs Bonino on behalf of the Commission

(7 December 1998)

From the moment the explosion occurred, the Commission's Delegation followed very closely the development of the situation and kept the Commission duly informed.

Necessities were covered through bilateral donations in the sectors of emergency medical assistance, food and domestic items. The Commission has not received any formal request for funding either from any agency, non-governmental organisation (NGO) or from the Nigerian authorities. Furthermore, according to the Regional Delegate of the International Federation of the Red Cross, the Nigerian Red Cross machinery at the scene of the disaster is adequate.