Powell was able to see some of the damage as his jet circled the island before landing. At the airport - where the metal roof was still torn in places - Powell shook hands with Prime Minister Keith Mitchell and visited a nearby warehouse where relief supplies are being stored.

''President Bush wanted me to come and say to the government and people of Grenada that the United States is standing with you during this difficult time,'' Powell said at a news conference.

He said $100 million in aid to the Caribbean will be coming ''very soon.'' On Tuesday, Bush asked Congress for an additional $50 million to help victims of four major hurricanes that slammed into Haiti, Grenada, Jamaica and other Caribbean nations - on top of $50 million Bush already proposed for those countries.

''Grenada has been hit the hardest, so you can expect the assistance that we will be providing to you will be significant,'' Powell said, without providing an exact figure for Grenada's share.

He said $1 million in financial help and relief supplies has already been sent to the island, and $3.6 million is on its way now.

U.S. aid to the island has dropped sharply since U.S. troops invaded in 1983 following a coup by left-wing radicals. Some islanders have complained the United States has been slow in sending help after the hurricane last month.

Ivan's 130 mph winds struck the Caribbean country Sept. 7, killing at least 39 people and leaving 90 percent of homes damaged or destroyed, as well as many centuries-old British and French colonial buildings.

Grenada's Finance Ministry released a report Tuesday estimating losses due to destruction and lost tourist business at $900 million.

Powell said Mitchell gave him a reconstruction plan that he will take back to Washington to study.