As the grim death toll nears 140,000, STEVE CARROLL looks at what is being done - and what can be done - by local people to aid the victims of the Asian tsunami.

TRAVELLING at more than 500mph - faster than a jet plane - the huge waves which crashed into the coasts of south-east Asia brought nothing but death.

With areas devastated as far apart as east Africa and Thailand, there was little chance of escape for those caught in the path of the wall of water.

Thousands of people remain unaccounted for following the massive tsunami - the result of an enormous 9.0 magnitude undersea earthquake off the coast of Indonesia.

It has been little more than a week since the killer waves brought misery to so many. But although the waters may have receded, the aftermath of one of the world's biggest natural disasters has only just begun.

The World Health Organisation says as many as five million people are at risk, with little water, food or shelter. Aid agencies are struggling to provide relief to the region. More than anything, they need donations to help stem the enormous demand from the millions displaced when the tsunami washed away roads, bridges, homes and hospitals.

United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan said the scale of the disaster demands an unprecedented world response.

We can all do our bit. As a country, the United Kingdom has already pledged £50 million to help those whose lives have been destroyed. In York and North and East Yorkshire, the wheels are already turning. Across the city and the county, people are digging deep to help those who came through the disaster but now face the biggest test.

Evening Press readers have come through with flying colours in the past. In early 2003, readers raised nearly £3,000 to help children caught up in the war in Iraq.

Early last year, a UNICEF appeal following a terrible earthquake in Iran raised £3,100 for the city of Bam.

This time, the county is opening its pockets once again. Churchgoers at the Methodist Chapel, in Riccall, raised a fantastic £1,135 in only two hours by holding an impromptu coffee morning.

At the Ship pub, at Acaster Malbis, members of some 60s bands who hold a jam session every Wednesday raised nearly £150 thanks to a bucket collection.

Dr David Hope, the Archbishop of York, called on everyone to give whatever they could afford to aid those affected in the disaster.

He said: "I urge everyone to donate whatever they can, as soon as they can, to provide life-giving services. Every single gift will help."

At Blow Hairdressers, in Fishergate, York, boss Andrew Richardson is planning to spend January 10 cutting hair for free to raise vital funds.

Mr Richardson will ask customers to donate the price of their cut, or whatever they can afford, to ensure more cash can be sent abroad where it is needed.

He said: "I hope I can raise about £250. It is all for a good cause and I saw some of the scenes (from the disaster) and decided I wanted to do something.

"Hopefully, people will donate and we can raise a lot of money for the appeal."

Youngsters at Jean Harvey School of Dance in York were so moved by the scenes of devastation in Asia that they have decided to hold a dance marathon to help raise money.

Dozens of boys and girls, aged from eight to 17, will be at New Earswick Folk Hall tomorrow, dancing non-stop between 9.30am and 5pm in a bid to find more funds for victims of the tsunami tragedy.

There was also due to be a collection before the friendly rugby league clash between York Knights and Super League champions Leeds Rhinos at Bootham Crescent at 3pm today. Players and fans will also be holding a minute's silence before the game.

A similar collection was held before the York City and Scarborough derby match at Bootham Crescent yesterday.

People can also donate at Boots in Coney Street, Monks Cross, Coppergate Centre, Kings Square and Acomb.

A collection box is in place at City of York Council's finance offices in Library Square. Council leader Steve Galloway said: "This disaster is without precedent in modern times.

"It tests the ability of the modern world to deal with such a major event. I know that people are collecting money at my local supermarket in Foxwood and, as always, the average person in York is rising to the challenge.

"We were delighted with the response when we had our problems with floods four years ago and, of course, this is on a completely different scale.

"We are going to talk with our institutions, including the council, to raise maximum funds and make them available quickly.

"I would urge everyone to give whatever they can afford to help the victims of this terrible tragedy."

It is up to us. The lives of millions of people are at stake. By donating whatever we can, we can help ease the misery of those hit by one of the worst disasters in recent history.

Desperate need for donations to help the survivors

Why do we need to give cash?

The huge waves which rocked Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Maldives, Malaysia and Somalia have killed nearly 140,000 and made homeless millions more.

Whole communities have been devastated, cities destroyed and families left searching for loved ones who are missing.

Those who survived desperately need clean water, food, medicines and shelter to ensure a much bigger humanitarian tragedy is avoided. The biggest fear is infection and the spread of disease.

While the tidal waves wreaked havoc, the death toll from epidemics caused by diseases such as dysentery, cholera and typhoid could be far higher.

How to donate

You can give cash to the tsunami appeal by phoning the Disasters Emergency Committee on 0870 60 60 900 or by logging on to www.dec.org.uk

Although this umbrella organisation includes major charities such as ActionAid, British Red Cross, CAFOD, Oxfam and Save the Children, people can also donate directly by contacting their chosen charity.

Donations can also be made at branch post offices, some major banks and at some major city centre shops.

Many agencies are appealing for cash rather than goods as donations because the cost of collecting and transporting goods can cost more than buying them from local suppliers in Asia. A temporary collection point is operating at City of York Council's finance offices at Library Square.

What your money can buy

£15 will buy a family a water container, plastic sheeting and purification tablets

£35 will provide a family with a week of food

£100 buys zinc sheeting and timber helping to rebuild homes for two families

Updated: 08:45 Monday, January 03, 2005