Brussels - Ethiopia and four countries in South-East Africa are set to receive millions of dollars in food aid from the European Union, the bloc's executive said Friday.
The European Commission said Ethiopia stands to receive 15 million euros (19.5 million dollars) to address the needs of an estimated 5.2 million people and support agricultural development.
'The majority of the population in Ethiopia still live far below the poverty line, and is extremely vulnerable to severe changes in weather patterns, droughts, epidemics and protracted internal conflicts,' said the EU's humanitarian aid commissioner, Kristalina Georgieva.
In a separate decision, the commission allocated 5 million euros (6.5 million dollars) to strengthen food security in Comoros, Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique.
The Brussels-based body said the four countries are located in some 'of the most disaster-prone regions in the world,' with floods and cyclones in recent years adding to 'permanent threats' from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
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