A FORMER Taunton School student has told of the horrific destruction in a Nepalese village where she used to live.

Anna Kawar’s in laws’ house along with 17 neighbouring properties was reduced to rubble by the recent earthquake, while all roads into the village were cut off.

Anna, who grew up in Bagborough and Halse, has launched an appeal to support her husband’s farmer parents and nine family members, who are currently living under a tarpaulin.

Her husband, Suman, a groundsman, is heading back next week to Majhitar, about 55km from Kathmandu, to help his family get their lives back together.

Anna, who works in education, said: “We were out there last year with our children Rohan (three) and Nina (two). It’s mind boggling that the buildings we stayed in aren’t there any more.

“After we heard about the earthquake, there were a few agonising hours when we couldn’t get through by phone.

“Then my sister-in-law phoned, saying everyone was alive, although my mother-in-law, Mail, was badly injured after jumping out of the upstairs window because the house was falling down around her.

“Suman’s cousin was in his house when it collapsed on him and they had to drag him out of the rubble, seriously injured.”

The family, who have received the equivalent of £13 from the local council to tide them over, need aid urgently as the monsoon season approaches.

“I feel helpless, but I share their huge sense of loss and anguish,” said Anna, who now lives in Bristol.

“That’s why I’ve started fundraising for my in-laws and their village – so far we’ve got £8,000, which is amazing.

“But we need more for food for the next few months, other essentials and shelter.”

To support the appeal e-mail anna_burch@yahoo.co.uk or click on the link.