World Bank providing $56 million for Dominican relief

World Bank providing $56 million for Dominican relief The World Bank Wednesday said it would make $56 million available for immediate support for the Dominican Republic to help the government provide emergency assistance needed in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Noel.
   In addition, the World Bank said a team of bank experts will visit the Dominican Republic next week to start preparing an Emergency Recovery Program of up to $100 million.
   Last week's storm caused extensive flooding, which officials say far exceeded the damages from any of the hurricanes that has hit the country in recent years. The storm has been blamed for at least 85 deaths and has destroyed homes, businesses and roads.
   The storm also caused severe damage in Haiti and to a lesser extent in the Bahamas. The United Nations, various U.S. agencies, international governments and relief agencies are responding with aid packages for the entire region impacted by the storm.