The World Bank’s executive board of directors has approved a USD 108 million loan for Assam to improve disaster preparedness and enhance flood forecasting. TheWorld Banksaid the project will benefit around six million people and is part of a larger USD 500 million investment programme for Assam.

The USD 108 million loan from the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), administered by the , has a maturity of 11.5 years and a grace period of four years.

The Assam Integrated River Basin Management Project will help the state reduce vulnerability to floods and river erosion by building green Infrastructure in the Beki and Buridehing river basins, protecting around 100,000 people,” World Bank said in a statement sent to TOI on Saturday. It added that the project will also help strengthen the state’s response to disasters through improved flood forecasting and accurate early warning systems, including through mobile alerts.
The project will further provide safer evacuation and shelter facilities, including access to Climate-resilient flood shelters, to at least 10,000 people, read the statement, adding that the project will also help government agencies to respond faster during crisis with upgraded state and district emergency operational centers.