AS Britain begins to get back to normal after the big freeze, the disaster which has struck the people of Haiti is a reminder of how savage nature can really be.

The British weather can be a pain at times – our most frequent source of complaint – but the truth is that we are lucky to live in a relatively predictable climate.

The Red Cross estimates that up to 50,000 people were killed in Tuesday’s earthquake and it is hard for those of us in this country to comprehend a tragedy on that kind of scale.

As frustration grows over delays in aid being distributed, the country’s turmoil continues to produce heartbreaking images of suffering.

But, as so often is the case, positive news can be found in the midst of despair.

Britons donated more than £2m to help Haiti’s victims within 36 hours of the full extent of the humanitarian crisis emerging.

The donations had flooded in before the first radio and television appeals had even been made, underlining the communication powers of internet social media sites such as Twitter.

We live in a rapidly-changing world in terms of science and technology, but it is heart-warming to see that the basic human generosity of spirit remains very much in evidence when it is called for.

We can all play our part and we appeal to our readers to contribute to the disaster fund with whatever they can afford, no matter how small that may be.

Details of how to make a donation are published on Page 7 today. Together we can ease Haiti’s terrible suffering.