Tsunami stories: Resort free base for relief workers

When Asia's tsunami struck beach resort town Khao Lak, but spared their hilltop hotel, owner Sintop Somporn and his son didn't hesitate: They picked up 200 stranded tourists - many of them injured - and gave them food and shelter.

Rescue teams were allowed to use the Khao Lak Nature Resort for free as their base of operation.

And nearly one month after the killer wave, about 150 volunteers are still working and staying at the hotel - for free.

Smile says it all

Amiruddin last saw his 7-year-old daughter Putri three weeks ago when the tsunami snatched her away. But the Indonesian man never gave up and yesterday he got the best possible news: His girl was alive, waiting in a farmhouse near Banda Aceh.

When the girl with big brown eyes and short dark hair appeared, the fish trader broke into a smile and said nothing as he held her in his arms.

Rockers may join singers

Veteran British rockers Elton John, Rod Stewart and Phil Collins are among the top names who will sing on a charity single to aid victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami, organisers say.

The single, a cover of Eric Clapton's weepy ballad Tears in Heaven, will also feature United States singers Pink and Gwen Stefani, along with Aerosmith's Steve Tyler and opera tenor Andrea Bocelli.

Town reborn in forest

Hambantota, once a bustling fishing and trading hub on Sri Lanka's southeast coast, has been reborn in a forest clearing 1.5km inland. The new Hambantota will go by the same name, swallowing up a hamlet known until now as Siribopura.

- AGENCIES