THE mayor of Worcester is appealing for money to support earthquake victims from his home country.

An earthquake near Mirpur, in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, has struck causing huge cracks in roads and damage to people’s homes.

Councillor Allah Ditta is pleading for help from residents to aid the country’s recovery during the ‘terrible aftermath’ from the earthquake, which happened on September 24.

Cllr Ditta will be setting up an emergency earthquake disaster fund online where all the money will be spent on rebuilding houses.

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Cllr Ditta said: “Around 300 houses have been demolished from what I know about. There are huge cracks and are not suitable to live in.

“All the telephone lines and mobile phones are not able to be used. There is no form of communication as all the lines are down.

“Nobody knows this earthquake has even happened. It’s very difficult. It’s a remote area. It hasn’t been reported. I think it’s important that people are made aware of it.”

He added: “There’s a big community in Worcester who are from Kashmir. A lot of people have come to me who have been affected.

“I will go over there and offer my support. I would like to speak to the residents and identify which families will need the support. I obviously feel very devastated to hear that people are suffering. The country is already struggling as there is dispute. So, to have this on top is just devastating. You cannot bring a loved one back but you can try to help them rebuild their home.”

Haris Saleem, chairman from Worcester Muslims Welfare Association, has lived in Worcester for 32 years.

Mr Saleem, aged 55, says his family has been affected by the earthquake, adding: “This earthquake has happened in my village. My house has been affected and my family’s and neighbour’s. Worcester and the wider community are always very supportive and come forward when needed.”