The United States on Monday announced an emergency relief fund of $ 100,000 (Rs 44.3 lakh approximately) to assist the victims of devastating earthquake in India, while Australia pledged an amount of $5.5 million (approximately Rs 24.5 crore) towards relief of the disaster in South Asia.

Out of the amount, Rs 22.15 lakh will go to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund and the rest is meant for direct relief to the victims, an US Embassy release said.

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Expressing gratitude for India's help in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, US Ambassador David C Mulford said his country was standing ready to provide India whatever assistance is needed.     

"On behalf of the people and government of the US, I offer my deepest sympathy to those affected by the earthquake and the families of the victims," Mulford said.

Meanwhile, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Downer, announcing his country's relief contribution for quake-hit areas of India and Pakistan in a release, said the funding made by his country will be in support of UN agencies and other international organisations in the field.