The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) on Tuesday received US$ 15 lakh contribution from the Government of Japan to provide emergency relief to the people severely affected by super cyclone 'SIDR'.

WFP will use the Japanese funds to distribute some 1,400 mts of High Energy Biscuits (HEBs) to the poor people devastated by the cyclone, said a WFP press release today.

"It is important to maintain supplies to the stricken areas. WFP is continuing deliveries of fortified biscuits to give much needed assistance to people in devastated areas," said WFP Representative Douglas Broderick.

So far, WFP has delivered over 400 mts of biscuits and over 750 mts of rice to more than 12 lakh people in the worst-hit areas, over land and by boat, as well as by air.

The UN agency plans to provide over 71,000 metric tons of food to 22 lakh people over the next six months.

Broderick said, "based on the outcome of a UN wide assessment conducted immediately after the cyclone that struck on the 15 November, WFP will continue supporting the victims with food". "Japan's contribution is crucial to WFP's relief effort. It will ensure that thousands of poor people left without food and shelter after cyclone 'SIDR' will get the lifesaving and fortifying food relief they need." explained Broderick.