US tsunami death toll rises to 15

WASHINGTON, Dec 31 (AFP) - The United States on Friday increased the confirmed US death toll from the Asian tsunami disaster to 15 people, but with more feared dead among the several hundred missing.
A State Department spokesman said there was now eight confirmed dead in Thailand and seven in Sri Lanka. "We fear there may be more," he added.
"We have been able to account for many hundreds of those whose families have contacted us, although new calls come in constantly," said the spokesman.
US embassies in the stricken countries around the Indian Ocean are still giving out money and emergency passports to Americans requiring assistance, said the official.
The death toll was 14 on Thursday.

12/31/2004 16:50 GMT - AFP