AN urgent appeal has been launched by a community radio station to help victims of a devastating earthquake in Pakistan.

Awaaz FM Community Radio, which is based in Cranbury Terrace, Southampton, is appealing for people living in the city to donate much-needed funds to buy vital aid for the disasterstricken region of the country.

A powerful 7.7-magnitude quake struck in Parkistan’s remote south-west province of Balcohistan on September 24, killing at least 350 people and injuring hundreds more.

Houses were flattened and thousands of people are now having to spend the night in the open. It is estimated that the earthquake has affected up to 300,000 people across six districts – Awaran, Kech, Gwadar, Panjgur, Chaghi and Khuzdar.

The quake was so powerful it was felt as far away as Delhi and Dubai.

It is the latest disaster to his the country following huge floods in 2011, when 70 per cent of the country was submerged in water.

Now Ali Beg, the station’s project manager, wants the people of Southampton to dig deep and donate generously.

The money raised will be donated to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Pakistan and will go towards buying standardised food packs, tents, blankets and water bottles.

He said: “It’s so important for people to raise money for the appeal.

“We raised money when the country was under 70 per cent of water. We worked with the PIA airline and managed to send out 700 food boxes.

“It’s just as important now but thankfully not as many people were killed.

“People really do come together in times like this and that’s really good.

“People can donate via our website, which is the best way, or they can come into the office and donate.”

To donate, visit awaazfm.co.uk and use the PayPal button. Alternatively, cheques can be sent to Pakistan Earthquake Appeal, Awaaz FM Community Radio, Top Floor, 3AC, 11 Cranbury Terrace, Southampton, SO14 0LH.

Cheques should be made payable to Awaaz FM Community Radio (Earthquake Appeal).