The Hindu Forum of Britain has urged all Hindus to donate to the relief effort.

Jo Thanki, a Vice President of the Hindu Forum of Britain and Chair of the Hindu Council of Birmingham said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this horrible tragedy, especially the children of the region, who make up half the population of the quake-affected areas and who now will be vulnerable to hunger, cold, illness and trauma.

"We appeal to all Hindus to support aid efforts for essential relief supplies such as blankets, clothing, tents, medical supplies, food for infants and water purification tablets.

"A great deal of international effort will be required and we are working with aid organisations like the Red Cross and SEWA International to ensure aid reaches the quake affected region."

Ramesh Kallidai, Secretary General of the Hindu Forum of Britain added: "The scale of suffering and havoc unleashed by this disaster is unimaginable. It is heartening to note that world governments have reacted immediately.

"We are pleased the British government has responded with financial assistance and a rescue and medical team of 60 people who have already left for the affected areas.

"We urge British Hindus to lend their whole-hearted support to the aid efforts in the spirit of compassion exemplified in our tradition.

Paul Anticoni, Head of International Aid at the British Red Cross said: "Following a disaster as massive as this, the priority of the British Red Cross is to work with the Pakistani Red Crescent and Indian Red Cross to respond as quickly as possible to meet the immediate basic needs of the thousands of people affected."

Sanjay Jagatia (Public Relations Coordinator for Sewa International UK) commented that our volunteers working in the affected areas of Jammu have reported that the scale of the devastation is enormous with barely a house left standing.

"Many people are homeless and will be spending the cold nights out in the open. We really need the community to come together in this hour of need

Donations can be made by calling Sewa International on: 0116 261 0303, or via www.sewainternational.com or the British Red Cross on 08450 535353, or via www.redcross.org.uk.