Sunday, October 9 2005 09:50 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: US President George W Bush has offered all assistance to India and Pakistan for dealing with the aftermath of the massive earthquake that claimed thousands of lives and left a trail of destruction in Border States of both the countries.

"The people of the United States offer our deepest sympathies for the loss of life and destruction caused by the earthquake that struck outside of Islamabad," Bush said in a statement issued by the White House yesterday (Oct 08, 2005).

He said assistance was on the way to victims of the 7.4 magnitude quake that devastated Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and the North West Frontier Province yesterday morning.

"Our initial deployments of assistance are underway, and we stand ready to provide additional assistance as needed. My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this horrible tragedy," he said.

The powerful quake, epicentred in Muzaffarabad, has so far claimed over 3000 lives, including 1600 in hardest-hit NWFP and about 1200 in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice had also offered help to India. She last night spoke to External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh and offered whatever assistance was required for providing relief to quake-affected areas.

Earlier, White House spokesman told reporters, "The thoughts and prayers of the US president and the first lady (Laura Bush) are with the families, friends and loved ones of the victims."