Last Updated Fri, 31 Dec 2004 14:31:07 EST
CRAWFORD, TEXAS - The United States dramatically increased its pledge to tsunami victims in southern Asia Friday, raising its contribution from $35 million to $350 million US.
INDEPTH: Disaster in Asia
"Initial findings of American assessment teams on the ground indicate that the need for financial and other assistance will steadily increase in the days and weeks ahead," U.S. President George W. Bush said in statement from his ranch in Crawford, Tex.
Bush also said he would send Secretary of State Colin Powell to coastal areas around the Indian Ocean to assess the damage. Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, the president's brother, will accompany Powell.
RELATED STORY: Canada joins U.S.-led relief coalition
The announcement followed criticism the initial contribution was too low for such a wealthy country.
The increased American donation will substantially boost worldwide donations to the relief effort, which United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan said Thursday had reached $500 million US.
Canada has pledged at least $40 million Cdn to the region, saying Friday it had joined the U.S.-led coalition to co-ordinate relief efforts.
that's alot of tax money...