OREANDA-NEWS. August 10, 2010. As it was informed in the WB permanent representative in Moldova, the project aims to diminish Moldova’s vulnerability, especially of its agricultural sector to the threats of natural disasters, particularly to droughts, floods and other natural shocks.

The funds will be assigned for a term of 20 years with 10-year deferment of payments under 0,75% per annum by the International Development Association (IDA), entering the WB group. Within this project the work of the State Meteorological Service on forecasting severe weather and timely provision of Moldavian authorities and other users with more efficient forecasts and warnings will be improved.

Besides, the Moldova’s capacity to prepare for and quick respond to natural disasters will be raised. For this purpose the Emergency Command Center is to be created under the Civil Protection and Emergency Situation Service of Moldova. Moreover, within this project, it is planned to help the farmers to receive and apply correctly the agro-meteorological information in agricultural sector in order to increase their stability to unfavorable meteorological consequences.

Melanie Marlett, WB Country Manager for Moldova, noted the drought of 2007, the floods of 2008 and 2010 have affirmed the imperative need for actions in diminishing the impact of natural disasters on Moldova's people and economy.