As thousands remain missing in the wake of the tsunami, the massive worldwide effort to provide aid to some 5 million homeless and starving survivors moves into high gear.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said world pledges topped US$5 billion, led by US$500 million from Japan, and at least US$350 million from the United States.

Many of the survivors are in desperate need of food, water and shelter. World Bank President James Wolfensohn says the World Bank's US$250 million pledge is for the immediate emergency, and that his organization will probably double or triple the amount of money for further reconstruction.

(CCTV.com January 4, 2005)