Washington, Oct. 5 (ANTARA)- After a few unsuccessful attempts to reach President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono by phone on Thursday, US President Obama spoke with the Indonesian leader on Saturday, according to the official website of the US embassy in Jakarta on Monday.

The call lasted five minutes. The President expressed condolences for the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in West Sumatra.

He received an update from President Yudhoyono on the situation on the ground and reiterated his offer, on behalf of the United States, to do everything to help alleviate the suffering and provide assistance to the relief operation.

The two presidents plan to see one another again at the APEC Summit in Singapore in November.

As part of its initial $3.3 million commitment to the Padang Earthquake Response Effort, the United States Government (USG) immediately provided a $300,000 emergency grant to Mercy Corps International through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

The funds will be used immediately for emergency relief kits, clean water and sanitation kits, and household repair and rebuilding kits.

Mercy Corps is a member of the Emergency Capacity Building (ECB) consortium in Indonesia. ECB is a consortium of local and international organizations working to build emergency response capacity in Indonesia.

Mercy Corps has an office in Padang and works closely with other NGOs and the Government of Indonesia in implementing its programs.

USG disaster relief experts are in West Sumatera now to assess and respond to additional requirements. President Barack Obama has expressed his condolences to the Indonesian people over the tragic earthquake that struck West Sumatra this week.

In October 1 remarks in Washington, the US President said "We`re deeply moved by the suffering and loss of life that`s been caused by the recent earthquake in West Sumatra. And my administration has been in touch with the Government of Indonesia to make it clear that the United States stands ready to help in this time of need, and I`ve ordered my administration to coordinate with the ongoing relief and recovery efforts there.

"Indonesia is an extraordinary country that`s known extraordinary hardship from natural disasters. I know firsthand that the Indonesian people are strong and resilient and have the spirit to overcome this enormous challenge. And as they do, they need to know that America will be their friend and partner," Obama said.

-Antara, 05 October 2009-