Monday, September 5 2005 10:24 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: Rushing to the aid of the United States, India has offered five million dollars and medicines to provide relief the people of the regions devastated by hurricane Katrina on the US Gulf coast.

India will also provide large water purification systems for household and community level operations, Ambassador Ronen Sen said in a statement here yesterday (Sept 4, 2005).

"As a token of the support of the people and Government of India for the people and government of the United States, India will contribute five million US dollars to the American Red Cross for relief activities in those areas affected by Hurricane Katrina," Sen said.

A self-sustaining and self-supporting medical team of the Indian Army Medical Corps having first hand experience in handling emergency situations is awaiting clearance from the United States admisntration to fly to the affected regions in the Gulf coast to carry out relief operations, he said.

"The team will have its own medical equipment and stores. It is aimed to complement the efforts of US organizations, will not require any additional logistic support and will not in any manner strain existing resources," he said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President A P J Abdul Kalam had written to President George W. Bush conveying their deep sympathy over the catastrophe, he said.

"Having ourselves experienced the tsunami tragedy last year, we can understand the sufferings of the people affected by this natural calamity. Our thoughts and prayers are with them," Sen said.

In addition, a naval unit comprising divers and salvage experts are ready to proceed to the US as soon as required, he said.

The Indian and US navies had worked closely in relief operations in Asia during the tsunami disaster, although India itself was one of the affected nations.

The Ambassador has also appealed to the Indian-American community to contribute generously to the American Red Cross and other organisations, which are in the forefront of the relief and rescue operations.

"America has been good to the Indian community and this critical moment of trial and tribulation offers both a challenge and an opportunity for all people of Indian origin to rise to the occasion when this great and good country needs them," Sen said.