US Secretary of State Colin Powell, on behalf of President George W. Bush, went to embassies of Thailand and Sri Lanka in Washington on Thursday to expressed sympathy and extend condolences to the peoples of the two countries over last weekend's devastated catastrophe.
Powell told reporters that the US will stand with those disaster-affected countries and do everything necessary to help the people "in this time of tragedy, in this time of need."
Speaking outside the embassy of Thailand, Powell said that "We know the need is great... and we will do everything that has to be done to respond to that need."
Following American pledge to offer US$35 million in aid to nations devastated by a massive earthquake and tsunami, Powell said, "Much more money will follow as the need is determined as we see how best to use these resources.
"And we have dispatched naval forces, as well as aircraft are on the way now with relief supplies. More disaster response assessment teams are being sent in. Rescue teams are going in from Los Angeles and from Fairfax county to assist in relief efforts."
In his remarks, Powell also noted that the US is not only in for the immediate humanitarian relief operation, but "also for long-term reconstruction so that the economies can get back up on solid footing and that the people who have lost homes will have assistance in building homes and rebuilding their businesses."
The death toll from last weekend's earthquake-tsunami catastrophe rose to more than 114,000 on Thursday, according to the latest report.