Bangladesh Resident Mission

ADB Assures Assistance to Mitigate the Ravages of Monsoon

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The summer monsoon rains bring relief to the parched dry lands, but also wreak havoc and devastation. Bangladesh, a riverine country, is particularly at the mercy of the monsoon. Its three mighty rivers, which pass through densely populated cities and towns, are capable of flooding much of the country and causing untold miseries to the affected.

Over the years, ADB has provided substantial assistance to Bangladesh in response to previous major floods. In particular, the immediate response by ADB for emergency assistance in 1988, 1998, and 2000 contributed to the speedy restoration of vital infrastructure and social services, thereby helping the country recover quickly from flood damage.

In response to the 1988 floods, ADB provided assistance amounting to $174 million.

To mitigate the effects of the 1998 floods, ADB provided emergency assistance amounting to $104 million to restore flood-damaged water supply and sanitation facilities; and repair schools and training centers, roads and bridges, flood and water control structures, rural roads and markets, railway facilities, and urban infrastructure, including slums.

Similarly, after the floods in 2000 in southwest Bangladesh, ADB provided emergency assistance amounting to $67.8 million for the rehabilitation of vital economic and social infrastructure.

In response to the crisis brought on by the most recent flood in 2004, ADB has formed a flood monitoring unit (FMU) and assured the Government of strong financial support in rehabilitating damaged infrastructure once again. FMU closely monitors the flood situation in consultation with government agencies and key development partners active in Bangladesh. It obtains latest information on the nature, scope, and extent of flood-related damages.

Meanwhile, ADB has also agreed to field a mission to undertake a damage and needs assessment, jointly with the Government, World Bank, and other funding agencies in September 2004, after the monsoon season. In consultation with the Government, the damage and needs assessment mission will identify the scale and scope of intervention required.

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BRM Newsletter, 2nd Quarter 2004