Four days after a quake and tsunamis wrecked large parts of South and Southeast Asia, the United States initiated efforts to form a 'core group' to lead relief efforts saying 'the loss in the quake-tsunami tragedy is beyond our comprehension'.

US President George W Bush, who is holidaying at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, told reporters that US Secretary of State Colin Powell has already spoken to Australia, India and Japan in this regard.

He spoke to the leaders of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia on Wednesday morning to express condolences and extend support to relief efforts.

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