AS the world comes to terms with the tragedy of the Asia tsunami scores of devotees from a local Hare Krishna temple have been treating thousands of victims.

Since Boxing Day, a team of 60 doctors and 100 volunteers sponsored by Bhaktivedanta Manor in Aldenham, have treated more than 4,000 victims and provided 1,500 stoves in southern India.

More than 450,000 hot meals have so far been distributed by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu, at a rate of 40,000 meals a day.

Gauri Dasa, President of Bhaktivedanta Manor, said: "Doctors and volunteers from ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Hospital, our branch in Mumbai, were some of the first to reach the disaster area to provide hot meals and medical treatment.

"In addition to immediate relief, we are now focusing on adopting entire villages, where we will provide housing, reconstruction and rehabilitation.

ISKCON runs a hospital in Bombay and sent out several doctors and ambulances soon after the underwater earthquake occurred. The Hare Krishna volunteers have been doing relief work in Palayar, Nagapatinam, Thiruvarur, Seerkazi, Nagur and other adjacent towns and villages, where little or no foreign aid has arrived.

Bhaktivedanta Manor has launched an appeal to collect funds for Tsunami victims in India. Donations can be made by cheques made payable to "ISKCON-Tsunami Flood Appeal", Tsunami Flood Appeal, Bhaktivedanta Manor, Aldenham, Watford, Herts WD25 8EZ. Donations are also accepted by VISA/Mastercard on the phone. The numbers to call are 01923 856848 or 07713 133313 or 07720 843099.