The European Commission has released nearly €11 million to support humanitarian aid and strengthen disaster preparedness across Asia in 2026.

Over €8.7m will fund disaster preparedness initiatives throughout the region, the majority through a regional allocation of €7m covering ASEAN countries, as well as Nepal and Sri Lanka. In addition, a dedicated envelope will fund country-specific disaster preparedness actions in Nepal (€1.7m).

This funding will support the development of early warning systems, foster actions that promote climate and environmental resilience, and contribute to developing shock-responsive social protection mechanisms to help communities most at risk. In Nepal, funding will also aim at improving health emergency preparedness, as well as anticipatory actions.

A further €2m are allocated to humanitarian assistance in the Philippines, which will support populations impacted by multiple disasters such as tropical cyclones, as well as victims of conflict.

This announcement comes as Preparedness and Crisis Management Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, is visiting Japan this week, where she will meet with national and local authorities to exchange on preparedness, disaster risk management and humanitarian aid. During her visit, the Commissioner will visit Fukushima to mark the 15th anniversary since the earthquake and tsunami of 2011, paying tribute to those who lost their lives in this devastating tragedy. She will also travel to the Noto Peninsula, which was struck by an earthquake in 2024 that claimed more than 240 lives.