World response: More than 20 countries, from Germany and Japan to Venezuela and Honduras, have offered to help the United States cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
The US initially seemed reticent about accepting foreign aid, but later said it would accept any offers. "Anything that can be of help to alleviate the tragic situation of the area affected by Hurricane Katrina will be accepted," said state department spokesman Sean McCormack.
Earlier, President Bush said that the US could take care of itself. "I'm not expecting much from foreign nations because we hadn't asked for it. I do expect a lot of sympathy and perhaps some will send cash dollars. But this country's going to rise up and take care of it," he told ABC's Good Morning America.
State department officials said it was likely some of the offers would not materialise and, as a wealthy nation, the US would be uncomfortable taking funds from poorer countries. - (Reuters)