The old year fades, leaving most of us with a sense of empty helplessness over the scenes of devastation in countries battered by the tsunami disaster.

By last night the death toll in the Indian Ocean nations affected had reached 114,000 and still the horror stories escalate of families wiped out, children left stunned and alone.

The tragedy may be thousands of miles away but it has affected us all.

Today The Argus offers readers an opportunity to provide practical help.

Working with the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) from its offices in Brighton, we are launching an appeal to help bring aid to the millions struggling to cope in 11 devastated countries.

Diarrhoea and cholera threaten to claim thousands more lives as dazed survivors try to find clean water, shelter, food and medical supplies.

One of the largest rescue and relief operations ever mounted is under way.

Unicef is already helping the stricken millions in countries like India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the Maldives.

The charity has to prioritise and it is targeting Sri Lanka and Indonesia as having the greatest need for humanitarian support.

Unicef executive director Carol Bellamy said: "Hundreds of thousands fought to survive the tsunamis on Sunday. Now we need to help them survive the aftermath.

"We're concerned about providing safe water and preventing the spread of disease. For children, the next few days will be critical."

Unicef and other relief organisations are trying to identify and reunite children separated from their families.

Miss Bellamy said: "Time is of the essence. They need our help now."

For details of how you can help, see The Argus today, Friday December 31