The Asian Development Bank pledged US$200 million (¤156 million) on Friday to help fund rebuilding in two southern Indian states that were devastated by December's tsunami. Half of the amount will come as grants and half as soft loans to Tamil Nadu and Kerala states, said Alex K. Jorgensen, head of urban development in the bank's India office. "Our contribution will go for helping the people get back their livelihoods and for some water supply and sanitation projects," Jorgensen said. At least 2.7 million people, mostly fishermen and their families and farmers, were affected by the tsunami, which killed 10,749 people in India. Another 5,640 people are listed as missing but are presumed dead. ADB officials signed agreements with the two states on Thursday, Jorgensen said. The states have to repay the loan within in 32 years. They will have to first spend the money on projects and claim reimbursement from the bank, he said. --SP 1527 Local Time 1227 GMT
