Vigils will be held in Folkestone and Ashford tonight to pay respects to the victims of the Nepal earthquake.

The Folkestone service will be held outside Cheriton Post Office in Cheriton High Street from 7pm.

Meanwhile, Ashford will mark the disaster with a candlelit event in the Victoria Park off Jemmett Road at 6pm.

The estimated death toll has risen past 3,600 after the quake struck on Saturday morning, Nepalese police said today.

A further 6,500 are thought to be injured as the rescue effort gets under way.

Organiser Dhan Gurung said: "We represent 2,000 Nepalese community residents between Shepway and Dover and every single member has families affected by this disaster and this is a great tragedy.

"Everyone is worried about this terrible disaster.

“We can’t think how we’re going to help it’s not a small disaster.

“We’re definitely worried. I’m holding a tribute this evening and I’ve invited all the residents of Folkestone and Cheriton in coming together to pay our respects for those who lost their lives back home in Nepal.”

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake destroyed homes, businesses and temples in the capital of Kathmandu. Another 53 are believed to have died in India and 17 in Tibet.

The mayor and fellow councillors have said they will be attending to support the Nepalese community.

Mr Gurung added: “Everyone can bring a candle and flowers and we’ll hold a two minutes silence. It’s going to be about an hour.

“We’re going to then think about how we can help from this small town.

“Hopefully other people and everyone giving their comfort hand to hand and shoulder to shoulder and we’ll pray for them.”

Two Kent residents were also caught up in the disaster. Fears are growing for Bearsted man Matt Carapiet while a Tonbridge family spoke of their "overwhelming relief" after their son called to say he was safe and well.

The quake triggered a huge avalanche on Mount Everest as Gurkhas from Maidstone were climbing it as part of the Gurkha 200 anniversary celebrating 200 years of Nepalese service to Britain.

All were reported safe.

The Foreign Office has provided a helpline for all UK nationals in Nepal who require consular assistance to call 020 7008 0000 or text NEPAL to 07860 010026.