The emergency loan is supported by economic policy advice (AFP)

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has offered up to $1bn (￡530m) in financial assistance to each nation affected by the Asian tsunami.

A statement from IMF director general Rodrigo Rato came ahead of a donor meeting in Jakarta on Thursday.

The United Nations said earlier that aid pledges have topped $3bn.

Member nations given IMF emergency loans in the wake of natural disasters or armed conflicts in the past, included earthquake-hit Turkey in 1999.

Among the other recent recipients were Bangladesh following floods in 1998, and Honduras, Haiti and the Dominican Republic after hurricanes in the same year.

Since 1962, 34 countries have been given more than $2.3bn under the programme.

A country applying for emergency assistance needs to describe the economic policies it intends to pursue.

This financing could be made available quickly and without an IMF program

It is also expected to indicate an intent to develop a more detailed policy program under one of the fund's regular lending facilities.

An emergency loan is usually limited to 25% of its IMF quota and is subject to repayment within five years.

"This financing could be made available quickly and without an IMF program," Mr Rato said.

"The financing needs have yet to be fully assessed," he added.

"This, together with the most appropriate forms in which the assistance should be delivered, will be discussed tomorrow (Thursday) and in the coming days."

(Agencies)

repayment: the money or other thing repaid.（償還的款項）