Water

Tsunami Spokesperson: Ann Quon
ADB's Initial Assistance to
Tsunami-Hit Countries
January 2005

By Ma. Christina Dueñas
Water Knowledge and Communications Coordinator, ADB

ADB has made available US$675 million to Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Maldives to help finance reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of the huge earthquake and subsequent tsunamis that struck South and Southeast Asia on 26 December 2004. In the days immediately following the disaster, Ms. Ann Quon, ADB Director of External Relations, discussed ADB's immediate plan of action. This article is a synthesis of two interviews conducted by CNBC's Teymour Nabil and May Lee. View the video clips of the CNBC interviews.

What is the most pressing need right now?

I think the most pressing needs are recovery and relief, which are now underway. It is essential that human needs be taken care of--- that people get enough food, clean drinking water, medical attention, and that disease is prevented.

Then there is the 2^nd phase of rebuilding. Water supply and sanitation systems, communications, schools-these will all need to be rebuilt or rehabilitated. This needs to start quickly, and international organizations like ADB can help.

In raising money for reconstruction, coordination is clearly a major issue. What is the role of the international organizations like ADB in this situation?

I think we all recognize that this disaster is unprecedented. Normally, when we deal with emergency and disaster situation, it's on a country-by-country basis. In this situation where so many countries in the region are affected, no individual country can do it on their own. And it is going to need a massive international effort to help these countries get back on their feet.

Coordination is vital. We work very closely with other international organizations like the World Bank to ensure that there are no gaps and overlaps in our coverage.

How do the international organizations make sure that the money goes to the right places?

Before we talk about money being put on the table for rehabilitation and reconstruction, we initially sit down together and assess what the needs are. With each country, we work out where the problems are, where the rebuilding needs to be done, and then determine how we can best assist them.

I think international organizations have their respective unique approaches and specialties. Clearly, the UN bodies will carry out the relief. They are the experts, and we will do what we can to support them.

ADB has offered up to US$ 325 million in aid. Where will this aid come from?

We've had requests from Indonesia, Maldives and Sri Lanka for assistance. We have prepared up to $100 million for Indonesia, $60 million for Sri Lanka, and $15 M for the Maldives. These funds are being allocated from existing operations we have in these countries. We have another $150 million in new funding that we can draw upon.

Are there any particular conditions attached to this aid?

We already have existing arrangements in these countries so we don't have any special conditions attached. The money we will be providing will have generous terms over a long period of time. The important thing to remember is that this is just an initial amount, and we are prepared to increase it as individual needs of the countries become clear.

Has ADB done any analysis as to how much will be required in the long-term?

No, we haven't. It's early days yet. Our priority now is to try to make the aid available to respond to immediate needs. And in the medium and longer term, we'll see what their other needs are, and respond appropriately.

Currently, we have our country directors directly in contact with the governments. We also have our special response teams and sector specialists ready to go to these countries to determine the extent of the damage and what sectors we need to be involved in so that these countries can start the recovery process as quickly as possible.

Related Link

• Tsunami Response: Helping Rebuild Lives and Communities in the Tsunami Aftermath