Bush acted based on expedited requests for federal aid from New York Gov. George Pataki, said Joe Allbaugh, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The action makes federal funds available to affected people and businesses in all five boroughs of New York.

''My heart and prayers are with the families of those that were killed and injured today, especially with the families that are waiting for news of loved ones,'' Allbaugh said.

''All of the resources of FEMA, including our 5,000 employees, are at the president's disposal.''

The emergency resources authorized by Bush's major disaster declaration can range from use of federal personnel, equipment and lifesaving systems to delivery of food and water.

The federal intervention also can include money to help pay for temporary housing, grants for medical, funeral and other disaster-related expenses and low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Bush's declaration came after hijacked jetliners slammed into both of the World Trade Center's two towers and knocked them down. The president said Tuesday that thousands were killed there and in a similar attack on the Pentagon.

The administration did not refer directly to the attack in its disaster declaration, mentioning only ''the area struck by fires and explosions on Sept. 11, 2001.''

FEMA said residents and business owners in New York can begin the disaster application process Wednesday by calling 1-800-462-9029 from 8am-6pm, seven days a week.