(BRUSSELS) - The European Commission said Friday that it had allocated 10 million euros (13.6 million dollars) to Somalia to help people affected by civil strife and extreme weather conditions.

The aid will be used to provide better food and food security, cleaner water and sanitation, and health services -- mainly in central and southern areas -- the European Union's executive arm said in a statement.

"For the past 16 years, instability and conflict in Somalia have generated overwhelming humanitarian needs," Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Louis Michel said.

"The suffering has been exacerbated by worsening weather patterns, cyclical droughts interspersed with serious flooding, and a series of epidemics."

Home to about 10 million people, Somalia has been plagued by instability that has defied more than a dozen peace initiatives since the 1991 overthrow of former dictator Siad Barre.

As conditions continue to deteriorate, the United Nations has asked donors for 48 million dollars in assistance to help people fleeing the conflict.

Brussels estimates that its aid will benefit around 1.5 million Somalis.

The humanitarian support follows a four-million-euro package last month following fierce fighting in Mogadishu and serious disease outbreaks.

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