Washington ? The White House offered condolences Saturday evening to victims of a deadly cyclone in Bangladesh and said the U.S. government has provided an initial $2.1 million in emergency relief aide.

A statement from press secretary Dana Perino said the USS Essex and the USS Kearsage are en route to Bangladesh to help and that the U.S. will airlift 35 tons of nonfood items such as plastic sheeting, jerricans, hygiene kits and other supplies.

She said an 18-person Defense Department medical team that was in the country before the storm will help with current medical needs.