Call to scrutinise tsunami aid work

The mass of money donated to tsunami-hit countries is leading to too many organisations working in disaster zones without adequate skills, Oxfam has warned.

The aid charity praised the immense response to the tragedy, but called on international governments to bring in accreditation and monitoring for all agencies.

Although communities are being rebuilt, the lack of consultation with local people has caused problems, Oxfam said.

In Sri Lanka, some new houses were built too close together, leading to potential sanitation problems-There have also been difficulties in southern India over the coordination of agencies.

Oxfam's director, Barbara Stocking, said: "Undoubtedly this work has saved lives, but there are many challenges that cannot be ignored.

"Governments and aid agencies must address issues of the quality, not just quantity of aid."

Britons touched by the plight of people who survived the Asian tsunami have helped raise more than ?250 million in the month since the disaster.