Massive rescue efforts are being rushed from rest of the world to tsunami-devastated South and Southeast Asian nations as disastrous tidal waves claimed more than 22,000 lives in the region.

On Sunday, waves more than 10 meters high triggered by a seriesof huge undersea earthquakes near the Indonesian island of Sumatraswept across the coastal countries of the Indian Ocean rim, destroying villages and flooding cities in Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Indonesia, the Maldives, Myanmar and Malaysia. The 8.7 magnitude quake was the world's stronger in 40 years.

Sri Lanka, the worst-hit country which has reported more than 10,000 deaths, has declared a state of disaster and appealed for international help. The Maldives islands in the Indian Ocean had also asked for international help.

A spokesman for UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has said that UN disaster and coordination teams were being dispatched throughout the region to work with governments of affected countries in providing rescue and relief assistance.

"The United Nations stands ready to provide the assistance necessary to meet the needs created by these natural disasters," he added.

On Monday Morning, two Russian transport aircrafts carrying a helicopter, tents and other equipment and aid workers left for SriLanka to search for and evacuate people.

The Chinese government Sunday evening announced the launching of an emergency aid mechanism, promising to deliver the emergency humanitarian aid to the affected areas as soon as possible.

The Canadian government has committed an initial 1 million Canadian dollars (about 800,000 US dollars) as earthquake relief aid.

"As relief organizations are currently assessing the needs on the ground, Canadian officials continue to closely monitor the situation and stand ready to give further humanitarian assistance," said Aileen Carroll, Canadian minister of international cooperation.

The Philippines is sending a humanitarian contingent to the affected areas to help treat the wounded and uplift the communities.

"Global compassion is needed to lift the victims from pain and despair," said Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Australia sends two Royal Australian Air Force C130 aircrafts, carrying essential emergency stores including medical supplies, blankets and other emergency provisions, to the areas.

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has pledged 10 million Australian dollars (7 million US dollars) for relief efforts, and Prime Minister John Howard said Australia would commit more.

Australian aid agencies like Australian Red Cross and Care Australia have opened national fundraising appeals to help the victims. There are 5,500 Australians in the affected areas.

US President George W. Bush extended his condolences on the disaster on Sunday. The White House said in a statement that the United States stands ready to offer all appropriate assistance to those nations affected.

The European Union said it was providing immediate aid of 3 million euros (about 4 million dollars) to meet "initial vital needs," and more substantial aid would be provided.

The French government announced that a plane with 100 doctors, rescue specialists and communications experts will fly to Sri Lanka on Monday.

Israel also said it will send doctors and experts to India.

Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf said on Monday "Pakistan stands with you in this hour of need," and its Navy in coordination with Maldivian National Security Services launched a humanitarian search and rescue operation on Sunday, using ships and helicopters, and also dropped emergency food supplies to the effected areas which are otherwise inaccessible.

Greece said a military C-130 cargo plane would leave late Sunday for India and Sri Lanka with 11 tons of medical supplies and volunteers. Turkey also promised to help.

Germany and Ireland each announced to release 1 million euros for emergency relief. Britain pledged 100,000 dollars to fund a World Health Organization crisis response team while Kuwait offered 1 million dollars.

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong also expressed willingness to offer assistance. The country has dispatched a special emergency consular team to the Thai island of Phuket, who will work with Thai authorities to contact and assist Singaporeansstranded on the island and nearby resorts. About 450 Singaporeans were reported to be on holiday in the island until Sunday.

The Indonesian government has prepared 50 billion rupiah (around 5.6 million US dollars) in emergency fund to help victims on Sumatra island, estimated at over 4,400, to buy food, finance the burial of those killed in the disaster and build tents for refugees.

India also launched massive relief operations engaging defense forces and aircraft and ships to reach food, blankets, medicines and other material to people in the affected areas.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced in Delhi a relief of 100,000 rupees (around 2200 US dollars) to the next of the kin of each of those killed in these regions from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

Sri Lanka has sent some 25,000 soldiers and 10 helicopters to deliver aid and rescue teams. The helicopters were dropping medicine and rescue teams to areas not accessible by land, while soldiers were to help the local people in their rescue work.

Social Services Minister Sumedha G. Jayasena said the government will provide all possible relief measures. The Social Services Ministry is open 24 hours.

The death toll is increasing as counting of bodies washed up onbeaches is continuing while thousands were reported missing. Tens of thousands fled the coasts for higher ground, fearing aftershocks and further flood surges.