They spelt out the message “Side By Side” on one of the beaches of the nine-by-five mile island in the English Channel to symbolise the way that the community has supported the relief effort and also its intention to carry on helping in the future.

The island, which has a population of 85,000 and is famous for its cows, its potatoes and its offshore finance industry, has already raised almost £2 million for the British Red Cross’s disaster relief appeal.

The island’s community, who has an intimate relationship with the sea, say they were moved by the events in Asia.

Jersey’s government gave £500,000 and the public have raised the rest by making donations and organising fund-raising events from concerts to car boot sales, sponsored walks and candlelit vigils.