asked Her Majesty's Government:

What long-term efforts are planned to contribute to the restoration of infrastructure damaged by the recent cyclone in Bangladesh. [HL369]

Bangladesh not only suffered infrastructure damage from the recent cyclone, but also from the floods in August and September 2007. The Government of Bangladesh have welcomed international assistance from development partners. In this regard, the World Bank approved a US$150 million rehabilitation credit in response to the floods and has additionally offered up to US$250 million to help cyclone recovery efforts and to strengthen the country’s disaster mitigation systems.

Cyclone damage has exacerbated needs and damage is still being assessed. However, we expect the Government of Bangladesh to discuss priority needs with the international community in due course.