ON behalf of the Disasters and Emergency Committee (DEC) - representing 12 leading aid agencies, I thank you for what your paper has already done following the Asian Tsunami Disaster and would issue this further appeal to your readers for donations.

We urgently need money to help deliver emergency aid to people caught up in the Asia quake.

We have watched in horror and disbelief while communities have been wiped out in minutes, tens of thousands killed and millions left without water, food or shelter. Ordinary lives, like ours, have been devastated.

People across the region need immediate aid. They are crying out for blankets, clothes, food, water and medical supplies. In the longer term they will need help to rebuild their homes, livelihoods, and shattered lives.

No matter how much you can afford, we need every little bit. For just £15, we can buy a family plastic sheeting , a water container and purification tablets. £35 will provide one family with enough food for a week. Please call 0870 60 60 900 or visit www.dec.org.uk to make your donation now.

Meera Syal

on behalf of the

Disasters Emergency Committee