The European Union (EU) said Monday it is sending 200,000 euros (US$238,000) worth of humanitarian aid to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) following last week's train explosion in the country.  

The aid decision was announced in a press release from the European Commission, the EU's executive arm.

"The EC has adopted a humanitarian aid decision to finance urgently-needed medical supplies and temporary shelter equipment for victims of the train explosion in Ryongchon," the press release said.

The assistance, including basic medical supplies, first aid kits, kitchen sets, water decontamination tablets and tarpaulins for shelter, is only for initial emergency needs.

At least 154 people, including 76 primary school students, were killed and more than 1,300 injured in the train explosion which occurred at Ryongchon railway station in the DPRK last Thursday.

The Danish Red Cross, working in conjunction with the EC's Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO), is ready to provide help immediately by using stocks already available close to the disaster zone.

The EC said ECHO will examine early next week whether additional support is required once the situation on the explosion is clearer.

Soon after the tragedy, the EC said it is willing to provide assistance if the DPRK requests help, adding that its field expert in Pyongyang has been invited by DPRK authorities to visit the scene to make assessment.

The EC has been active in the DPRK for many years, funding projects by the United Nations and Red Cross agencies working in the country.

Last year, the EC provided about 17.25 million euros (US$20.5 million) to the country to finance a range of projects mainly in the sectors of health, water, sanitation and nutritional support for malnourished children.

(Xinhua News Agency April 27, 2004)