LEXINGTON, Mass. -- Two days after tsunamis spawned by a powerful earthquake crashed into south Asia, the death toll has climbed to 23,000 and will likely go higher.

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Jim Morelli Reports On Local Relatives Resources Relief Agencies Death Toll Continues Climb In Southeast Asia http://www.vps-international.org/ 617-471-0129 Interactives: Tsunami Map | Earthquakes Info: Fact Sheet, Relief Agencies Updated: Images Of Damage, Destruction Video: Thailand | Sri Lanka | Malaysia Video: Colin Powell Offers Sympathy

NewsCenter 5's Jim Morelli reported that many area families spent the past day holding their breath, waiting for word from loved ones in the area. In Lexington, the Majumdar family has been waiting to hear from relatives in their home country of India.

"They don't deserve this. They don't," said Radhika Majumdar. "The worst part is they are showing children. Most of them are children. I just cry for the children."

Majumda said she has seen the images of the dead on television, but from her home, she can only wonder the fate of her relatives who live in Chennai, a coastal city hit by the tsunamis. Worst hit were Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia, but Thailand and Malaysia also suffered casualties.

"There is no way of correspondence or communication," said Laxmi Sundaram.

Sundaram and Majumda said they feel sad and frustrated.

"I feel helpless. I want to help them. I want to help them," said Majumda.

Both women said they feel guilty for living a comfortable lifestyle in the Untied States.

"When we have good things, we don't think about those people," said Sundaram. "Life is very fragile."

The women said they plan to collect money, food and clothing to send to India.