Stockholm  - Sweden, holder of the rotating presidency of the European Union, on Thursday sent its condolences to the victims of the natural disasters which have hit southeast Asia and the South Pacific.

The need for assistance following Thursday's earthquake off western Sumatra, Indonesia, was being assessed by the EU, the statement issued on behalf of the 27-nation bloc said.

The EU has previously offered some 4 million euros (6 million dollars) in emergency aid to victims of typhoon Ketsana - which ravaged the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, destroying homes, schools, roads and rice fields.

The bloc has also announced emergency assistance to South Pacific island nations hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami that has claimed over 100 lives. (dpa)