Clark offers NZ's help to deal with hurricane aftermath

Helen Clark

Prime Minister Helen Clark called on the American Consul-General in Auckland, Siria Lopez, yesterday to offer her sympathy for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The two women talked briefly about their horror at images seen on television from New Orleans and the Auckland-based diplomat said her family in Florida had a tough time with Hurricane Andrew in 1992 but this one was much worse.

The Prime Minister said she would have called on the American Ambassador if she had been in Wellington.

She had also written to President George W. Bush on Thursday to express her sympathy and to say "if there's anything we can do, don't hesitate to call".

The Prime Minister said she followed this offer up yesterday by asking the New Zealand Embassy in Washington to contact the authorities to find out what they needed.

The Prime Minister said New Zealand could contribute a Fire Service urban search and rescue team that could be mobilised at six hours' notice.

She said the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management had skills in emergency management.

The ministry was waiting last night to hear what help was needed.

More than 20 countries, from allies Germany and Japan to prickly Venezuela and poor Honduras, have offered to help the United States.

Accustomed to being a rich donor rather than on the receiving end of charity, the United States initially seemed reticent about accepting foreign aid, but later said it would take up any offers. "Anything that can be of help ... will be accepted," said the State Department.

- Staff reporter, Reuters