ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday responded to a letter sent by his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in which the PM 'gratefully acknowledged the deep sympathies for the people affected in Pakistan by monsoon rains and flooding".

Narendra Modi on Sunday wrote to Nawaz Sharif, expressing distress over the devastation caused by torrential rains in Jammu and Kashmir on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC).

"The offer for assistance in our relief efforts is equally thoughtful. Such solidarity in the face of adversity is indeed valuable," said the prime minister in his letter, the text of which was released to the media.

"I was anguished to see the scale of human suffering and physical destruction as I toured affected areas of Kashmir the other day.

"I am aware that the Kashmiri's on the other side of the Line of Control have also faced heavy loss of life and material damage.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families in this difficult time, and we remain prepared to extend a helping hand, in whatever way possible, to the efforts for their relief and rehabilitation," Nawaz Sharif said in his reponse.

He concluded by stating that it was an "unfortunate reality that South Asia remains one of the most disaster-prone regions of the world. As we chart a course to advance our common goals of peace and stability, we must also focus on addressing the deeper causes of recurrent floods and on strengthening the preparedness and resilience of our communities against natural calamities.

"I believe closer collaboration in disaster management should be a part of our agenda of peace and development in the region."