The Government of Nepal and the Asian Development Bank (ADB)have signed a $3 million grant agreement to finance relief efforts in the country following Saturday’s 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

The agreement was signed by Suman Sharma, Secretary in Nepal’s Ministry of Finance and Kenichi Yokoyama, Country Director of ADB’s resident mission in Nepal.

“The funds must be urgently used to address the most immediate needs including the delivery of rescue and relief goods and materials to the shattered remote rural communities in the worstaffected districts, and for improving sanitation in the relief camps in urban areas where many Nepalis are spending night after night,” said Yokoyama.

According to a press release,ADB announced the grant from its Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund.  The fund can be used to meet immediate humanitarian needs following disasters, such as tents, medical assistance, food, and drinking water. This will be followed by up to $200 million in additional resources for projects in the first phase of rehabilitation in the country.