MANILA, April 1 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday said it is preparing a 3-million-U.S.-dollar grant to support the emergency and humanitarian needs of the people of Myanmar affected by the 7.9-magnitude earthquake on March 28.

The grant, which is being prepared for expedited approval by the ADB's Board of Directors, will be provided through the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) to meet immediate needs through the distribution of in-kind food and multi-purpose cash assistance to purchase essential items, such as drinking water, medical supplies, and shelter.

The grant will come from the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund, which provides fast-tracked grants to ADB's developing members for life-saving purposes in the immediate aftermath of major disasters triggered by natural hazards.

The ADB said the earthquake has intensified Myanmar's ongoing humanitarian crisis, adding urgency to the existing challenges faced by the people.

ADB Director General for Southeast Asia Winfried Wicklein said the multilateral development Bank will consider additional and more substantial support by tapping into resources from the community development window of Asian Development Fund 14. Enditem

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