    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [November 2, 1999]
    [Page 1950]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Cyclone in India
    November 2, 1999

        On behalf of all Americans, Hillary and I offer our deepest
    condolences to the families who lost loved ones to the devastating
    cyclone that struck eastern India Friday and Saturday. It is gradually
    becoming clear just how much destruction was wrought along the seacoast
    and inland in those terrifying hours. There are reports that thousands
    of lives were lost and hundreds of thousands of homes were destroyed. It
    is truly a national calamity.
        Our hearts go out to the Indian people, and we are prepared to do
    what we can to help. The Government of India has an immense task ahead
    in providing assistance to the people who were affected by this tragedy.
    The United States Government is providing more than $2 million worth of
    food and $100,000 worth of tents and plastic sheeting to help alleviate
    the hunger and immediate suffering. I also encourage the American people
    to help through charities involved in international relief.