CANBERRA, Oct. 10 (Xinhuanet) -- Australian Prime Minister John Howard on Monday said Australia will offer more assistance to Pakistan to help the Asian nation to cope with Saturday's strong earthquake.

    Australia has offered 500,000 Australian dollars (380,000 US dollars) to the quake-ravaged South Asian nations.

    More than 19,000 people have been killed and 42,000 people injured in the 7.6 magnitude quake, which epicentered in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir.

    Howard has extended his condolences to the people of Pakistan and to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf.

    "It's a terrible human disaster," Howard told Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio.

    "The announcement of 500,000 dollar assistance is really just afirst, initial reaction," he said.

    "I'll be talking to my senior colleagues this morning. We will announce further help. It's a terrible human tragedy and I know Australians will be deeply touched by it."

    "I know, in a personal way, they will want to help. I encouragethem to do so," he said.

    Meanwhile, aid agencies in Australia have launched urgent appeals for donations to help the victims in the earthquake. Enditem