‘Our thoughts, prayers with those affected’

President George W Bush and other world leaders sent or offered rescue teams and aid to Pakistan today after a huge quake battered the regio...

President George W Bush and other world leaders sent or offered rescue teams and aid to Pakistan today after a huge quake battered the region, killing more than 18,000 people. The US said it would provide $100,000 in emergency aid funding to the country and was also offering US military helicopters. Bush said further assistance would be provided as needed. ‘‘Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this horrible tragedy,’’ he said in a statement, echoing an outpouring of sympathy from across the world.

Help on the way:

THE NETHERLANDS: The Dutch government offered 1 million euros ($1.22 million)in aid and a rescue team, Dutch news agency ANP said, while China’s state news agency said the country sent a rescue team with search dogs, equipment and relief materials.

AUSTRALIA: It has given $ 379,000 for immediate help to Pakistan, India and Afghanistan, where at least one person died.

	Don’t compete, coordinate: World Bank

			• TOKYO: The World Bank has offered $20 million to Pakistan to cope with the earthquake, bank President Paul Wolfowitz said on Sunday. Wolfowitz also urged international donors to coordinate efforts to help South Asian nations battered by the earthquake, rather than trying to compete over aid. ‘‘WE have already offered $20 million of assistance to the government of Pakistan to help them deal with this tragedy,’’ Wolfowitz said —PTI Story continues below this ad

UK: British officials said Britain was sending search and rescue experts, sniffer dogs and aid workers to Pakistan.

JAPAN: Experienced in dealing with quakes of its own, Japan said it was sending relief workers and $220,600 worth of goods such as blankets and tents.

TURKEY: Another quake-prone nation, Turkey said two military planes with doctors, rescuers and aid had left for Pakistan. The Turkish Red Crescent had asked for three more planes to take aid to quake victims, Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan’s office said.

UAE: The United Arab Emirates said it had dispatched a police rescue team to Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah ordered the immediate transfer of supplies and medical teams. ‘‘God protect the Islamic republic of Pakistan and its brotherly people from all harm,’’ said a royal decree.

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CHINA: Officials said China was donating $6.2 million in cash and materials.

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