People in tsunami-hit countries have started the arduous process of rebuilding their homelands as international relief efforts continue in the disaster-stricken region.

The UN humanitarian mission in Banda Aceh says reconstruction has begun in Indonesia and hospitals in the country's disaster-ravaged region have resumed their regular operations.

The UN mission adds that foreign relief workers are cooperating with local people to restore the infrastructure facilities in the region.

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh says the tsunami disaster should be turned into an opportunity for rebuilding the coastal and fishing economy in the affected areas and his government will provide full financial support for the reconstruction.

In Thailand, many volunteers, including college students, are working with local people to rebuild their hometowns.

In addition, the British Ministry of Finance says all other members of the Group of Eight Industrialized Nations have accepted Britain's proposal of a debt moratorium for the affected countries.

On the same day, the EU ministerial meeting upheld the European Commission's proposal of one hundred million euros, or about 131 million US dollars, for relief efforts and another 350 million euros, or 457 million US dollars, for reconstruction.

The commission will also prepare for a loan of one billion euros, or about 1.3 billion US dollars, for the tsunami-ravaged countries.