A Keighley man who was born in India has spoken of his distress after witnessing first-hand the impact of the tsunami tragedy.

Charlie Bhowmick visited the seaside resort of Cherai Beach during a fortnight-long trip to southern India.

The normally idyllic resort, about 30km from Cochin, was decimated in the Boxing Day disaster.

Mr Bhowmick -- who has been heavily involved in fundraising back home for tsunami victims -- said: "I was informed by the locals that the area had been badly hit and many people lost their lives there.

"According to the people the earthquake brought a huge 40ft wave from the sea, which was not seen until it struck.

"Houses, hotels, trees and roads were damaged -- so much so that they were beyond repair -- and many animals too lost their lives.

"I saw broken fishing boats standing on the ground, perhaps 100 feet from the sea, and many fishermen's homes have disappeared from the land.

"I felt very upset to see the condition of the area.

"I was not allowed to go into some parts where the land is still contaminated and local people are still finding bodies."

Mr Bhowmick said that like others around the world he had seen pictures of the tragedy and its aftermath on TV and in newspapers, but never expected to witness the impact for himself.

"I didn't think I would see it with my own eyes," he said.

"One thing I have learned is that an act of nature can be powerful and nobody -- not even the scientists -- can predict or prevent such a thing."