MALDIVES (6 June)
Since the advent of the tsunami on 26 December 2004, up to 42 000 people have received food assistance through WFP, while some 24 000 school children have received fortified biscuits through a school feeding programme. WFP has agreed to extend its assistance through the end of 2005.
The tsunami caused severe damage to the fishing sector, which is the second leading sector in the economy with about 20 percent of the total population dependent on it as the major income earning activity. FAO has assisted with the construction of 89 small fishing boats and has provided US$ 190 000 worth of fishing gear to the country. Additional US$ 1.1 million worth of fishing gear will be procured and delivered in June.
The Government has announced that work is underway to ensure that all displaced and homeless people would be provided with permanent housing within the next two years. Currently, outside assistance has been secured to rebuild 2 455 homes. Approximately 13 000 people were left homeless by the tsunami.