ADB EXTENDS US$2 BLN FOR PAKISTAN FLOOD REHABILITATION

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today
announced it would extend US$2 billion (RM6.27 billion) to Pakistan to help with
the rehabilitation and reconstruction work resulting from the devastating
floods.

The Manila-based bank said in a statement that the floods had affected 20
million people and shattered the country's physical infrastructure, including
roads, bridges, power lines, housing, schools, medical facilities, irrigation
installations and farm structures.

According to international aid agencies, the number of people rendered
homeless by the floods has risen to more than four million.

The finance was announced by ADB Director-General for the Central and West
Asian Department, Juan Miranda, who arrived in Islamabad Thursday to discuss the
ADB rehabilitation and reconstruction plan with senior government officials and
other donors.

"We need to put back hope and dignity into people's lives, and do so
quickly. Pakistan needs this and counts on us. This is not the time to let them
down. This must be our finest hour," he said.

The ADB has also approved US$3 million (RM9.4 million) from its Asia-Pacific
Disaster Response Fund for immediate emergency assistance.
-- BERNAMA