ON behalf of the Disasters and Emergency Committee (DEC) representing 12 leading aid agencies, I write to appeal to your readers for donations. We urgently need money to help deliver emergency aid to people caught up in the Asia quake.

This Christmas period 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. The tsunami is possibly the worst natural disaster ever. For every person who has been killed, there are many families fighting for survival.

People are scrambling in the mud and ruins looking for food, drinking water and items to make shelters.

However, the water is contaminated, sanitation systems have been destroyed and the disaster zone is now threatened with outbreaks of disease which the UN warns is likely to 'double' the death toll.

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.

This is not a time to be hesitant or indifferent. I am appealing to all your readers to dig deep and make a difference for the people who need it most.

Meera Syal,

DEC tsunami earthquake appeal,

PO Box 999,

London EC3A 3AA.

Hope for society

...READING the articles in the newspapers on the Asian tsunami and watching the television, I was inspired to hear of countries all over coming together with aid of all kinds to help in any way possible.

Once again the voluntary sector is at the forefront of it. This is what is called helping one's neighbour in time of need - whatever culture, religion or faith.

The Queen's Speech said it all. In her message, she talked about coming together as a nation to help others whenever, wherever.

Do I detect a message from above with all the recent things that have happened?

The bravery of many that have been on TV and radio shows there is hope for society all over the world.

Keith Chapman,

Custance Walk,

St Benedict Road,

Nunnery Lane,

York.

Updated: 09:40 Wednesday, January 05, 2005