The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Switzerland has provided an additional US$ 3.6 million as emergency assistance for the victims of cyclone SIDR and also for post-flood rehabilitation, bringing the total Swiss government assistance so far to US$ 5.5 million.

Under an agreement signed on Thursday, the Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation (SDC) will provide UNDP $ 1.72 million for early economic recovery for the cyclone-affected people, said a Swiss embassy release.

SDC will also provide US$ 1.88 million worth of assistance for post-flood rehabilitation according to another agreement signed today between SDC and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Both the projects will be implemented in close cooperation with Food and Disaster Management, Agriculture, and Fisheries and Livestock Ministries of Bangladesh.

A number of humanitarian aid experts from Bern are supporting the ongoing relief and rehabilitation operations.

"More Swiss assistance for recovery and rehabilitation is expected to be provided in 2008 in the cyclone-affected areas," said the embassy, holding out a fresh pledge.