PM offers assistance to landslide-hit Afghanistan

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday expressed shock at a devastating landslide in Afghanistan that claimed close to 2,000 lives and offered India's assistance in relief and rehabilitation efforts.

"I am deeply shocked and saddened by the devastating natural disaster that has struck Badakhshan province in Afghanistan," he said in a statement here.

"The people of India stand with their Afghan friends in grieving for those who have perished or are missing. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in this hour of pain and sorrow. We know that the Afghan people will face up to this tragedy with their unmatched courage and fortitude.

"India stands ready to provide whatever assistance and support that we can for rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts to help the victims of this enormous disaster," the prime minister said.

Afghan rescue officials said close to 2,000 people were killed in Friday's landslide, triggered by the recent heavy rains.