Washington: US President George W Bush today offered his condolences to the Philippines over devastating Typhoon Fengshen and said he was sending a US aircraft carrier to help with relief efforts.

"We are happy to do it, we want to help our friends in a time of need," Bush said after White House talk with Philippines President Gloria Arroyo, adding that the USS Ronald Reagan and other US Navy assets were on their way.

"I expressed our deep condolences to those who suffered as a result of the typhoon," he said as they met in his Oval Office. "The American people care about the human suffering that s taking place and we send our prayers."

Roughly 600 people are dead or missing after Typhoon Fengshen roared through the Philippines, the Red Cross and civil defence said yesterday, dramatically raising the number unaccounted for.

"I know there's some families that are hurting. Some are wondering whether or not their loved ones will reappear," said Bush, who promised US food aid. "This is a time where America needs to step up, and we will, Madame President."

Landslides, severe flooding and the loss of dozens of fishing boats had left at least 224 dead and 374 missing, Philippines authorities said yesterday, mostly in central areas which bore the brunt of the storm.

The figures, up from just six confirmed missing on Sunday while the death toll has been slightly lowered, do not include passengers and crew from a ferry which sank carrying 747 people. So far, only 32 survivors have been found.

Source : PTI