"I was shocked and saddened by the news of the terrible hurricane and flooding that have taken so many lives and caused such widespread damage in your country. I would like to extend to you and to the people of the United States my sincere condolences and deepest sympathy," King Harald V expressed in a telegram to President George W. Bush
The Norwegian Prime Minister, Kjell Magne Bondevik, emphasizes in a letter to President Bush that Norway stands ready to support the enormous rescue efforts now under way. The Government has decided to give emergency assistance worth of 10 million Norwegian kroner (approximately 1.6 million USD), directly to the United States, through the United Nations and through the Red Cross. Norwegian emergency personnel, medicines and equipment is offered to the relief efforts. The offer includes five military divers and medicines for emergency operations. " We are in contact with US authorities in order to meet their needs in the best possible way, the Prime Minister said.