BEIJING - The civil affairs and financial departments of local governments must publicize the sources of relief aid and other donations they receive for natural disasters, as well as how the contributions will be used, according to a regulation that takes effect on Sept 1.

The regulation on natural disasters relief, released by the central government last Wednesday, seeks to further standardize relief work in view of some areas having suffered severe losses in the past due to being insufficient prepared for, or improper handling, natural disasters, the State Council's Legislative Affairs Office said.

The new rule stipulates that local governments should take the initiative to publicize the relief aid and donations they receive and how they will be put to use.