US quake relief doubles to $35m as death toll rises to 68,000

US aid to victims of the earthquake that sent deadly waves crashing onto shores in Asia and Africa has been doubled to $35m (€25.7m) and is likely to be much more in an international aid effort expected to run into the billions.

President George Bush is making a brief statement at his Texas ranch today about the Asian disaster following a regularly scheduled National Security Council meeting, where advisers will update him on relief and recovery work, said White House deputy press secretary Trent Duffy.