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ADB Offers Immediate Assistance to Countries Afflicted by Tsunami Disaster

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (28 December 2004) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has offered to extend immediate assistance to the countries afflicted by the huge earthquake and subsequent tidal wave (tsunami) that struck South and Southeast Asia on Sunday.

ADB President Tadao Chino has expressed deepest sympathy for this human tragedy in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. He assured the governments of affected countries of ADB's fullest support and cooperation in "alleviating the suffering brought about by the devastating earthquake and tsunami and restoring normalcy to the affected areas." ADB teams from its country resident missions are in close coordination with government officials and humanitarian teams to assess needs and make plans to assist.

Mr. Chino also committed ADB to collaborate closely with its many international and domestic partners to mobilize the resources and expertise needed to get the countries back on track.

"With the toll still rising, it is too early to make a clear assessment on the impact this disaster will have on lives and livelihoods, infrastructure, and national and local economies," Mr. Chino said in a statement today. "What is clear is that this is a massive tragedy that has exacted a terrible human cost. Often the most vulnerable in disasters such as this are the poor. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with all the people affected. ADB stands ready to offer immediate and effective assistance to them and their governments to address the consequences of this natural disaster."

He said ADB could help address immediate short-term requirements, repair critical basic services, and furnish essential equipment and supplies. It could also provide rapid assistance to rehabilitate priority water services, power, transport, and communication infrastructure, he said.

ADB's assistance complements international, government and private humanitarian relief efforts, Mr. Chino said. ADB can draw upon extensive experience in emergency rehabilitation assistance following natural disasters. In recent years, ADB provided assistance to Gujarat, India, in the immediate wake of a devastating earthquake in 2001, and earlier this year, flood relief work in Bangladesh.

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