ADB and World Bank Asked to Assist India's Rebuilding Efforts After Disaster
NEW DELHI, INDIA (11 January 2005) - ADB and World Bank announced today that they have received a request from the Government of India to consider providing assistance for reconstruction and rehabilitation work in the wake of the December tsunami disaster.
The two agencies will now work with the Government of India to organize a needs assessment, and on that basis develop a program of support for reconstruction and recovery.
In the days immediately following the disaster, which struck on 26 December, ADB and the World Bank offered their sympathetic concern and offer of assistance to the Government of India in its efforts to deal with the crisis and to rebuild the lives of thousands affected by the disaster.
"Our first priority is to ascertain the extent of damage and then work together with the Government on a program of reconstruction and rehabilitation to help affected people rebuild their lives," adds Louis de Jonghe, ADB Country Director in India. Initial Government estimates put the loss of life in excess of 10,000 and the loss of property at about US$1.5 billion. ADB and World Bank assistance in India could cover rebuilding infrastructure, both public and private, rehabilitation of livelihoods of those affected, and assistance in developing disaster prevention and management systems. "It is truly impressive to see the way India has responded in providing basic necessities to the affected people," says Michael Carter, World Bank Country Director in India.
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