By NNN-Xinhua,
Dhaka : The government of the United States will provide additional 77.5 million U.S. dollars to assist Bangladesh to recover from last year’s cyclone Sidr.
The fund includes 25 million U.S. dollars in cyclone recovery and rehabilitation relief for Bangladesh for 2008, with an additional 50 million U.S. dollars available for 2009, a release of the U.S. Embassy here said Wednesday.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Defense will provide 2.5 million U.S. dollars in 2008 for assistance to support disaster relief in Bangladesh, the release said.
The assistance will focus on supporting livelihoods and stimulating economic recovery, strengthening local governments in affected areas, and protecting vital habitats.
Funds also will help provide nutrition for children and mothers in the cyclone-affected region and support the planning and construction of cyclone shelters.
The U.S. has so far provided more than 116 million U.S. dollars for the cyclone-affected areas.
The devastating cyclone Sidr battered Bangladesh’s southern and south western coastal areas on Nov. 15 last year, leaving thousands dead and millions affected.