The country's ambassador to London has appealed for help

England have

Ten thousand people are feared dead after a two-hour earthquake ripped through the Nicaraguan capital of Managua.

Initial reports suggest whole communities have been wiped out as an estimated 80% of buildings have been flattened with little hope of finding survivors.

The earthquake which reached 6.5 on the Richter Scale has sparked huge fires causing fears those who survived the initial attack may not escape the flames.

Nicaragua was struck at 1240 local time when all electricity and water supplies to the country were cut.

Telegraph and telephone links have also been severed.

Aid workers are trying to clear the area to prevent the spread of diseases such as typhoid so that experts can search for survivors and get food and water to the hundreds now homeless.

Among the ruins and rubble are two of the city's three main hospitals.

Relief workers at the scene are trying to bury the dead in makeshift graves to curb a growing stench.

An evacuation order has been placed on the city and authorities are expected to close off the area while a clean-up operation takes place.

The city is still affected by occasional tremors, and cracks in the road are hampering emergency relief efforts.

Officials have said they need medical aid and anaesthetic more than anything else at present.

The United States, Mexico and neighbouring countries to Nicaragua are preparing to send aid, food and medicine.

The capital city is above a geological fault which has made it susceptible to tremors and earthquakes.

Managua has twice been destroyed in earthquakes in 76 years, leading to speculation the country may have to move its capital.

Parts of the country have already suffered the worst drought of the century this year.

And the partial failure of the cotton crop, which with coffee is the staple of the Nicaraguan economy, has led to unemployment and poverty.   

Mr Sakharov plans to go back to research

It is understood the prince has replied in agreement with his mother but the princess has yet to respond, according to a Palace spokesman.

"After considering the present situation the Queen wrote to both the prince and princess earlier this week and gave them her view, supported by the Duke of Edinburgh, that an early divorce is desirable," the spokesman said.

"The Prince of Wales also takes this view and has made this known to the Princess of Wales since the letter.

"The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will continue to do all they can to help and support the Prince and Princess of Wales, and most particularly their children, in this difficult period."

The Queen's action comes just weeks after the princess's interview on Panorama which sparked a national debate on the future of the monarchy.

In it she said she did not want a divorce and claimed there were "three people" in their marriage because of Charles' friendship with Camilla Parker Bowles.

Diana was also repeatedly critical of her husband's ability to become king, his family, and their advisers and also admitted committing adultery herself.

Constitutional experts have said divorce would mean the Princess of Wales could never become queen.

The prime minister and senior Privy Councillors have backed the Queen's decision after prolonged private talks over the last two weeks.

Buckingham Palace's announcement followed discussions between the Queen and the Prime Minister.

Mr Major, who announced the couple's original separation in the Commons in 1992, will make a further statement to MPs once divorce proceedings are under way.

staunch: firm and dependable especially in loyalty（堅定的）