Tuesday, January 4 2005 20:31 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Phuket (Thailand): US Secretary of State Colin Powell said today (Jan 4, 2005) the United States may be able to do more to help identify remains of Tsunami victims and pledged US support for a regional warning system in hopes of preventing such massive loss of life from future Tsunamis.

Getting his first up-close look at heavy damage from last week's undersea earthquake and Tsunami, Powell visited the Phuket resort area that is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand for European and American beachgoers.

Powell and Florida Governor Jeb Bush saw scores of photographs and posters posted outside the town hall seeking information on missing tourists.

Powell's airplane flew slow and low, giving him a close view of flattened houses and ruined beaches.

Powell toured an office where American forensic experts are helping Thai officials identify thousands of bodies that washed ashore and said afterward he will recommend expanding US forensic assistance.

Thai officials told Powell the thing they most want is US help for a warning system in the Indian Ocean and China Sea and Powell pledged US technical help for some kind of a regional warning system.

"We'll do everything we can to contribute," he said.

Discussing US aid in general, Powell said, "The US has made a significant financial contribution, but we have done much more than that." He cited millions of dollars being raised in private donations in the US even before President George W Bush announced yesterday in Washington that his father, George H W Bush, and former President Bill Clinton, will spearhead a fund-raising drive.