Bush provides 2.1 mln dollars to B'desh as emergency relief

Dhaka, Nov 18 (UNI) US President George W Bush and First Lady Laura Bush offered condolences for those who have lost their loved ones, homes, and livelihoods in the cyclone SIDR that lashed Bangladesh on Thursday and provided an initial contribution of 2.1 million dollars for emergency relief.

Additionally, the US Navy ships - USS Essex and the USS Kearsarge- are on way to Bangladesh to assist in relief operations, an American Centre release said.

USAID will airlift 35 tons of non-food items such as plastic sheeting, jerricans, hygiene kits and other supplies to provide needed material assistance.

An 18-member Department of Defence medical team that was in Bangladesh prior to the storm is there to help with current medical needs.

"Working with the government of Bangladesh, we are assessing critical needs to determine where our assistance can be most effective," the release said.

The United States is committed to help the people of Bangladesh and their government as they face many challenges of rebuilding and recovering, it said.

UNI