The World Bank will make available 250 million US dollar (1,37 milliarder dkr) as its initial contribution for emergency reconstruction in the immediate aftermath of the tsunami disaster. This amount will cover the next six months while further financing for longer-term reconstruction needs is identified.
The Executive Directors of the World Bank Group discussed Friday the tsunami crisis affecting Asia and eastern Africa. Bank management was requested to consider additional ways to further increase the Banks support as the needs are determined.
The 250 million dollar can be made available quickly from existing programs, and will include the provision of emergency credits and grants to respond to the immediate needs in the countries hit by this disaster. Countries that have requested immediate assistance include Indonesia, Maldives and Sri Lanka.
The World Bank is in direct contact with affected governments and development partners, including the United Nations, the Asian Development Bank, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, and other donors, to ensure a coordinated approach.
World Bank experts across different sectors are working closely with government officials and experts from other agencies to plan for a quick assessment of the damage in these countries and prioritize the reconstruction efforts.
To ensure the coordination of emergency efforts within the UN framework, World Bank President James D. Wolfensohn participated in conference calls between UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, heads of UN agencies, ambassadors of affected countries, and the core donor support group comprising the United States, India, Australia and Japan..
For more information on the World Bank and natural disasters:
www.worldbank.org/hazards/
