MANY families in Kent are still waiting to hear news of loved ones caught up in the South Asia earthquake which has so far claimed at least 33,000 lives.

A community leader in Sittinhgbourne is urging people in the town and elsewhere to help charities aid the victims disaster.

Abdul Muhith, who is in charge of the mosque at Sittingbourne Islamic Cultural Centre in West Street, said he did not yet know if

any of the mosque’s congregation had relatives affected by the quake which struck hardest in Kashmir and Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province on Saturday morning.

But Mr Muhith, who runs a restaurant in West Street, said he hoped to find out this Friday when worshippers attend for prayers, if any families had loved ones caught up in the disaster. He said of the quake: "It is very sad news."

Mr Muhith said collections will be held among worshippers this Friday and the following Friday to help the victims.

He urged residents to send donations to the aid agencies who are organising supplies to help the stricken areas.

Meanwhile, UK aid teams are among those continuing the painstaking search for survivors.

Professor John Beavis, a trauma surgeon from Rochester, who will soon be joining them, told kmfm the best help is on the way for the victims...