Bush, Manmohan shocked at cyclone deaths

US President George W Bush and First Lady Laura Bush, and Indian President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, have expressed deep shock at loss of lives and damage to property caused by Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh on Thursday night.
In a message, Bush and Mrs Bush have offered their condolences to the cyclone victims, especially those who have lost their loved ones, homes, and livelihoods.
Geeta Pasi, charge d' affaires of the United States In Dhaka, yesterday called on Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury at his office and handed the message.
The US government has provided an initial contribution of $ 2.1 million for emergency relief, said an American Centre release.
Additionally, the US Navy ships--USS Essex and the USS Kearsarge-- are on way to Bangladesh to assist in relief operations, the release said.
USAID will airlift 35 tonnes of non-food items such as plastic sheets, jerricans, hygiene kits and other supplies to provide required material assistance.
An 18-member Department of Defence medical team that was in Bangladesh prior to the cyclone is there to help with current medical needs.
The United States is committed to helping the people of Bangladesh and their government as they face many challenges of rebuilding and recovering, the release said.
Indian President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in separate messages to President Iajuddin Ahmed and Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed have conveyed their condolences to the government and the people of Bangladesh at loss life and property by the cyclone, according to an Indian high commission press release.
The Indian president in her message said," I am deeply saddened to learn about the tragic loss of lives and substantial damage to property by the Hurricane, Sidr, which swept Bangladesh on November 15.
She conveyed her deep condolences to the members of the bereaved families.
Manmohan Singh in his message also conveyed India's readiness to assist Bangladesh in relief process.
"India stands ready to assist in whatever way we can to help in the relief process," the Indian premier in his message said.