My name is Shobna Gulati, you may know me better as Sunita in Coronation Street.

I'd like to alert your readers to the small window of opportunity available to us, the British public, to help survivors of the Asia quake before winter sets in.

Many roads have been blocked since the quake, and the ongoing relief operation is battling the elements to get aid to the most vulnerable people. This is going to get much worse in the next few weeks when winter closes in. Mountain tops are already covered with snow and helicopters will only be able to fly into remote areas over the next few weeks.

Our nation has been incredibly generous already, with more than £15 million donated to the 13 major aid agencies which make up the Disasters Emergency Committee.

Shelter, clean water, blankets and medical care are reaching the people who need them. But the DEC urgently needs more funds before winter sets in.

Your £15 can buy seven blankets, your £42 can buy a family survival kit helping for at least 20 days and your £90 can buy a tent specially designed for winter weather for a family.

Please join me in supporting the DEC's Asia Quake Appeal. Forty seven thousand people are already dead and many more are at immediate risk. Let's act now if we are to save lives.

You can donate online at www.dec.org.uk, by telephone on 0870 60 60 900, or at any high street bank or post office.

Shobna Gulati,

DEC,

15 Warrens Mews,

London W1T 6AZ.

Updated: 10:32 Friday, October 28, 2005