Saturday, January 1 2005 09:56 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: To assess the need for further US support, President George W Bush has announced that a delegation led by Secretary of State Colin Powell and Florida Governor Jeb Bush will visit the Tsunami-affected areas on Sunday.

In a statement, Bush said, "All Americans are shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of life and the destruction around the Indian Ocean. In this hour of critical need, America is joining with other nations and international organizations to do everything possible to provide assistance and relief to the victims and their families."

"To coordinate this massive relief effort, first-hand assessments are needed on the ground. On Sunday, January 2, I will send a delegation of experts to the affected areas to meet with regional leaders and international organizations to assess what additional aid can be provided by the United States," Bush said.

"I look forward to receiving the delegation's assessment of the relief efforts so that our Government can best help those in need," the statement, which was read by White House deputy press secretary Trent Duffy in Texas, said.