No one can be unmoved by the death and destruction caused by the terrible earthquake which shook the Indian state of Gujarat.

The death toll is already estimated at more than 20,000 and continues to rise alarmingly.

Hundreds of thousands more people are affected by the earthquake, from injuries and loss of homes to businesses, schools and hospitals.

UNICEF the United Nations Children's Fund, has already sent in relief items to help those who have survived the earthquake, including survival kits for displaced families, water purification tablets to provide clean drinking water, blankets and plastic sheeting to provide shelter for those who lost their homes.

Unfortunately, Gujarat has also suffered from extreme drought condition during the last two years.

This means that safe water and sanitation systems will be absolutely essential to prevent unnecessary deaths - especially among children, who are more vulnerable to the spread of disease.

Just £35 will buy enough blankets to keep 50 people warm, while £50 could save the lives of 300 children suffering from cholera or dysentery by treating them with oral rehydration salts.

Please send any donation you can afford to UNICEF India Earthquake appeal, UNICEF South East Regional Office, 41 lslingword Place, Brighton BN2 2XG.

For further details, tel 01273 600461 or e-mail selwa@unicef.org.uk

-David Speirs, UNICEF South East Regional Officer