WHILE the world watches the horrific images of the Indian Ocean tsunami from afar, the reality is too close to home for one grieving family from Kent.

Donald and Mercy Thilagarajan, who own the Townlands store in Woodchurch village, near Ashford, have lost 28 Sri Lankan relatives in the disaster.

The couple spent New Year's Eve watching footage of the home they knew so well, now virtually unrecognisable.

"I feel so helpless over here," said 35-year-old Mrs Thilagarajan. "When I heard about it I thought I had to go over there but it is impossible. We have put all of our money into the business and I can't leave my children, but I can't take them either."

Mrs Thilagarajan was born in the Sri Lankan town of Batticaloa where she lived until coming to England in 1993.

The couple, who have twin four-year-old sons, moved from London to Tenterden in November when they took over the shop.

But on Boxing Day Mrs Thilagarajan's uncle and 27 other relatives were killed when the wave struck the east coast of the island. Many more of their loved ones are still unaccounted for.

"We don't know where or how some of the others are because we think they might have moved," she said. "My two sisters are still there and one is pregnant.

"She already has four children and my brother-in-law has had an operation so he cannot walk. She is also diabetic and can't get insulin, it is so hard for them.

"I spoke to her today and she said they found some bread - how can I cook or eat when that is happening over there?

"My auntie was at church when it happened, she went to see her house but it was only land and then she found the body of my uncle and covered it with her sari. She was going away to a wedding and had packed a suitcase. My uncle lay there holding that suitcase, and now the saris in it are all she has left. She moves every day.

Mrs Thilagarajan's 71-year-old father William Selvarajah and 69-year-old mother live with he in Tenterden and are heartbroken.

Mrs Thilagarajan said: "My mum is not well.

Normally my parents are very active and always happy, but not now. For the last two or three days we have been walking around in a daze.

"My husband is stronger so he has opened up the shop, but my mind isn't here. Everyone has been so caring. A customer even sent a letter saying not to forget they are here to help and support us. We have found such a good home here."

The family is collecting money to send to the people of Sri Lanka.