Nepali King Gyanendra has said he is deeply saddened to learn of the heavy loss of lives and massive devastation caused in the United States by hurricane, Radio Nepal reported Sunday.

In a message sent to US President George W. Bush on Saturday, the king said in this hour of grief and anguish, he, on behalf of the government and the people of the Kingdom of Nepal, and on his own behalf, would like to extend deepest condolences and sympathies to the president and through him to the government and the people and the bereaved families of the United States.

"The people of the Kingdom of Nepal join me in wishing for an early resumption of normal life in the disaster struck areas," theradio quoted the king as saying.

The king also wished to take this opportunity to express sincere thanks to the government and the people of the United States for their understanding and continued support in Nepal's fight against terrorism to protect democracy.

In expressing deep sympathies, the Nepali government has decided to provide 25,000 US dollars as assistance in line with the Nepali tradition of helping the friendly countries.

The devastating hurricane "Katrina" hit the states of Louisiana,Mississippi and Alabama of the United States, causing loss of lives, displacement of people and destruction of infrastructures.

Source: Xinhua