GENEVA, Oct. 10 (Xinhuanet) -- United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan is greatly encouraged to see the rapid and large response by the international community to the devastating earthquake that has struck the people of Pakistan, as well as in Afghanistan and India, Annan's spokesman said here Monday.

    "The emergency teams dispatched by the United Nations have beenworking since Oct. 8 around the clock in support of national authorities to ensure a rapid assessment of the needs and an effective coordination of international assistance," said the spokesman.

    UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has established coordination centers in Islamabad, and in Muzaffarabad close to the epicenter.

    Annan encourages all international and national actors to work together to achieve full coordination of all international efforts in support of the national rescue efforts.

    The UN system -- United Nations Children's Fund, World Food Program, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, World Health Organization, UN Population Fund -- have immediately activated their in country capacities and dispatched relief supplies and sectoral experts, said the spokesman. Enditem