The Telegraph & Argus today launches a district-wide appeal to bring desperately-needed aid to the communities devastated by the South Asian earthquake.

Tens of millions of pounds are needed to provide vital supplies in the wake of the disaster which has claimed about 30,000 lives and made millions of others homeless in Pakistan, Kashmir, India and Afghanistan.

The T&A South Asian Earthquake Appeal will work alongside other charity appeals to provide funds and emergency aid needed for the multi-national rescue and rebuilding efforts.

T&A editor Perry Austin-Clarke said: "We know the whole Bradford community shares the grief of all those families whose relatives and friends have been killed or are missing in this disaster.

"The response of Bradford people has already been magnificent and we are certain our readers will support the T&A South Asian Earthquake Appeal which will help the long and difficult task of providing emergency aid in the areas devastated by the earthquake."

Bradford Council is to donate £20,000 for relief in the stricken country and Bradford businesses are also working together to get tens of thousands of pounds to the disaster victims.

Council leader, Councillor Margaret Eaton, said: "It is an absolutely terrible tragedy, particularly for the people of Bradford which probably has the largest Kashmiri community in Britain.

"I think the Telegraph & Argus appeal is a wonderful thing to do.

"The T&A is taking the lead supporting our own community as well as those who are suffering directly as a result of the disaster."

Mohammed Ajeeb, formerly Bradford and Britain's first Asian Lord Mayor, said: "This tragedy is unprecedented.

"The victims need all the help they can get.

"I am sure people of all races, creeds and colour in the community are caring and generous. I hope they show that generosity and spirit of caring in supporting the appeal."

Business organisation Asian Trades Link is spearheading the fundraising efforts of many Bradford businesses and has already pulled in £50,000.

Arshad Javid, its executive director, said: "Everyone is pulling together over this. Everyone has relatives there. My own are fortunately safe and well.

"The T&A appeal is fantastic and anything, however little, can help these people."

The Reverend Geoff Reid, team leader of the Touchstone Methodist Centre which is involved in interfaith issues, said: "I am very pleased the T&A is launching this appeal. The newspaper is at the heart of our city and this has affected the city in a very profound way.

"I recognise the work being done by the main charities involved but I feel it is very appropriate that Bradford should respond as a city."

Ishtiaq Ahmed, information officer for Bradford Council for Mosques, said collections were being carried out in mosques and throughout the community and between £20,000 and £30,000 had already been raised.

"People are shocked and devastated by the scale of the tragedy. Many people now know that they have lost relatives and others in Bradford are still waiting to hear," he said.

He said they wanted to work with families involved and support them and people were invited to go to their local mosques and the Council for Mosques.

"We appreciate the appeal launched by the T&A. This is a tragedy which affects everybody," he said.

The Bishop of Bradford the Right Reverend David James said: "I am sure the people of Bradford will want to give generously through the T&A and other appeals to help alleviate the suffering of those who have been injured and those who have lost family and friends.

"A tragedy like this does paradoxically bring out the best of us. We realise our common humanity and can imagine other tragedies affecting us in similar ways."

Coun Eaton and the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Valerie Binney, are meeting faith and community leaders and representatives from emergency services to express condolences over the disaster.

The Council is offering counselling services for staff affected by the disaster and employees will also work with the communities in the district helping them to trace relatives and cope with the loss of family members and friends.

Coun Eaton said: "Our hearts go out to all those who have lost or are searching for their loved ones, and the Council will be doing all it can to help them."

The Council has opened a book of condolence at the west entrance of City Hall and is appealing to staff to give what money they can to help families.

You can give to the T&A South Asia Earthquake Appeal at any branch of the HSBC

Account Number: 33924556

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