Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, on Tuesday expressed his heartfelt sympathy for the victims of the latest earthquake in Indonesia.
"The people of Sumatra are still suffering from the effects of the massive earthquake and tsunami on 26 December - this latest shock is the last thing they needed," said Michel in a written statement.
The Humanitarian Aid department of the European Commission ( ECHO)reacted promptly to the 8.7 magnitude earthquake that struck in the Indian Ocean close to Sumatra on Monday, said the statement.
According to Michel, as soon as news of the earthquake broke, ECHO staff were mobilised and its partner agencies contacted.
"An assessment team has been despatched to the affected area to undertake a speedy assessment of needs and the (European) Commission is ready for an emergency financial response if required," said the statement.