A BASINGSTOKE father has spoken of the terrifying moment he tried to get in touch with his relatives after hearing of a deadly earthquake in Nepal which has killed more than 4,000 people.

The 7.8-magnitude earthquake, which took place near Kathmandu on Saturday, has left thousands of homes and buildings destroyed across the country and the death toll is expected to rise further.

According to the National Emergency Operation Centre, more than 6,500 people have been injured, and more than 200 climbers have also been rescued from Mount Everest after it was struck by deadly avalanches following the quake.

As part of the UK's contribution to the country's relief effort, 10 firefighters from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service are among a 60-strong team of search and rescue responders and medical experts who travelled to Nepal on Sunday.

And father-of-two Shibaji Shrestha (ok) has vowed to co-ordinate efforts to collect items that are needed in the country after hearing of the devastation caused by the earthquake from his siblings in the country.

The 46-year-old, who lives in Britten Road, Brighton Hill, told The Gazette: "It is heartbreaking. I saw something on the internet and thought it was some kind of April fool but then I went downstairs and turned on BBC News and saw it.

"I tried ringing and I couldn't get through, I tried the landline and couldn't get through and tried the mobile but couldn't get through. After two hours I managed to get in contact with my brother Kendra (ok) and he asked me what was going on.

"They didn't know what was happening because they had no internet or telephone lines."

Shibaji added: "I was really relieved when I heard my family was safe. When I donated £500, my kids said that it is not enough and wanted me to donate more."

The father-of-two is now collecting items needed in the country such as tents, dry foods, blankets and medical supplies from his business in Coronation Road, South View, and is asking for them to be delivered to the rural parts of the country.

He said: "The people are really scared to go back into the buildings, temples have collapsed and everything is ruined. Thousands of houses have collapsed so people are sleeping in the street and on the ground. The police and army are providing tents but there are not enough tents so we are collecting more."

To donate items to send to Nepal, drop them off at Unit 5 on Woodlands Business Park, Coronation Road, Basingstoke, RG21 4JX.