MOSCOW, August 31 (RIA Novosti) - The Russian Emergencies Ministry has offered to help the United States with search and rescue work in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina, a ministry press release said.

The ministry has approached the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to this end, the release said.

"Two Emergencies Ministry Il-76TD transport planes are ready to fly from the Ramenskoye air base near Moscow, with rescuers, light class search helicopters with international certification, and equipment for work in the disaster area," the statement said.

The ministry is ready to provide help to the U.S. in searching for and evacuating victims, including Russian citizens who are believed to be in the affected area.