'Britain ready to help earthquake victims'

Last updated at 13:48 08 October 2005


Britain is ready to respond to "all requests" for aid from Pakistan following the devastating earthquake which rocked southern Asia this morning, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said today.

There are fears of widespread casualties and damage after the 7.6-magnitude quake hit India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Indian officials have suggested as many as 190 have died in the state of Jammu-Kashmir alone.

The Pakistani Army's chief spokesman Major-General Shaukat Sultan said it was "the worst earthquake in recent times".

International Development Secretary Hilary Benn has described the quake as "a major disaster" and said British search and rescue teams were ready to fly out to the affected areas as soon as help is requested.

In a statement, Mr Straw said there was so far no news of British casualties, but added that he was aware that many UK citizens of Pakistani origin have families in the worst-hit area in the north-east of the country.

"I am very distressed to learn about the effects of the earthquake in Pakistan this morning," he said.

"My anxieties are all the greater because so many British people of Pakistani heritage come from the area affected or have relatives who live there.

"We are offering help to the Pakistani Government and are ready to respond to all requests.

"I have already spoken to Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri and said Britain stands by during this time of need.

"So far we have no reports of any British deaths."

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