Tsunami Appeal

Our help is needed. Now. In Asia.

The tidal wave's death toll heads towards 100,000. That could double, with diseases like typhoid and cholera.

Survivors face a living nightmare. Millions are homeless, with livelihoods destroyed.

Only a few past natural disasters have caused so many deaths. Yet the large number of countries hit and the scale of destruction is unique. And this one is now. Here in Kingston, we must help.

The best way is to give money, fast. The biggest appeal is run by an umbrella group of UK aid organisations, including the British Red Cross, Oxfam and ActionAid. You can give their "Disasters Emergency Committee" money by phoning 0870 60 60 900, or online at www.dec.org.uk. The BBC's website lists other bodies and appeals.

Last week I met a few people who are helping by going out themselves - British Tamils, mainly doctors, going to help in Sri Lanka.

Indeed, Kingston's amazing Tamil community came together from day one - worried about relatives, and determined to do whatever they can. A key issue is ensuring the Island's political divisions do not prevent aid going to communities in the East and North, who were hit hard before the tsunami, by civil war and some recent terrible flooding. I've written to Ministers urging them to seek assurances from the Colombo Government.

Nothing must stop the largest humanitarian relief effort ever.