CRAWFORD, Dec 29: President George Bush said on Wednesday that the United States, Australia, Japan and India would lead international relief efforts after the Asian tsunami disaster and also hit back at criticism of aid offered by rich countries.

Mr Bush said the four countries would form a "core group" to lead relief efforts but predicted other countries would join and also called for an international tidal wave alert system following what he called a "terrible disaster" in the Indian Ocean.

US Secretary of State Colin Powell spoke to the foreign ministers of Australia, Japan and India to set up the group, Bush added. "This morning I spoke with the leaders of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia; expressed my condolences and our country's condolences.

I told them of our support. I praised their steadfast leadership during these difficult times," Bush said. "These past few days have brought loss and grief to the world that is beyond our comprehension.

"The United States will continue to stand with the affected governments as they care for the victims. We will stand with them as they start to rebuild their communities. And together the world will cope with their loss. We will prevail over this destruction," Bush said.

"We are committed to helping the affected countries in the difficult weeks and months that lie ahead." The earthquake and tsunami waves in the Indian Ocean on Sunday killed more than 80,000 people. Bush said "the loss is beyond our comprehension".

Under secretary of State Marc Grossman is to head a US task force to work with Australia, India and Japan to help coordinate the joint operation "and to encourage other nations to participate in the relief efforts," the president said. -AFP