IN just a few hours a natural catastrophe devastated a corner of Africa. A wall of molten lava one kilometre wide engulfed the homes of 60,000 people who live in the shadow of the Nyiragongo volcano in Congo.

This is the latest tragedy in a region that's been plagued by conflict for the past six years. Since 1998 over two and a half million people have been either killed or have died from malnutrition and disease. Now most of those who remain have lost their few possessions - along with their hopes for a better future.

No one knows for sure how many have perished but what's certain is that all the survivors desperately need our help. The Disasters Emergency Committee has launched an appeal on behalf of 12 leading aid agencies - all of them already working in the area.

Please help; £30 will treat 18 people for severe malaria, £75 buys blankets for 30 vulnerable children and £100 will provide clean water to 4,000 people a week. Any amount, however small, will help save lives. Donate by calling 0870 60 60 900, or send a donation to Goma Crisis Appeal, PO Box 999, London, EC3 3AA. You can donate at any high street bank, post office or through the Disasters Emergency Committee website www.dec.org.uk

Robert Lindsay,

Actor, London.

Updated: 10:29 Monday, January 28, 2002