BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union‘s executive body said on Wednesday it had approved 6.8 million Ecus ($8 million) of humanitarian aid for Central American countries struck by Hurricane Mitch. Germany also announced on Wednesday it would provide aid for hurricane survivors, promising 3.7 million marks ($2.2 million) for food, water and medicines. The death toll in a week of catastrophic floods in Central America headed towards 9,000 on Tuesday, making Hurricane Mitch one of the deadliest Atlantic storms on record. Millions were stranded in the region and up to 13,000 people missing. The EU aid, managed by the European Community Humanitarian Office, will be used for emergency actions by Red Cross agencies and European non-governmental organisations in Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador, a European Commission statement said. The money is destined for food aid, temporary shelter, water purification and medical supplies.The funding includes 400,000 Ecus in aid rushed to Honduras last week, the Commission said. Commission President Jacques Santer has sent a message of condolence to the countries devastated by the disaster, it said. Pope John Paul II on Wednesday also expressed his deep sadness over the thousands of deaths caused by Hurricane Mitch and appealed for urgent assistance to the region.