India offers assistance to quake-hit Myanmar

India today offered help to Myanmar hit by a powerful earthquake causing loss of lives and damage to properties.

"As your government rallies to provide relief and other assistance to the people in the earthquake-affected region, I would like to assure you that India stands ready to render any assistance that your government may require of us," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said.

In a condolence message to Myanmar's top military ruler General Than Shwe, Singh said that "on behalf of the people and governrment of India, I convey my heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Myanmar on this tragic natural disaster".

A 6.8 magnitude quake that had struck north eastern Myanmar on March 24 has so far claimed 75 lives.