DEC Myanmar Earthquake Appeal raises £10 million, as Christian charities respond to catastrophic humanitarian situation

Image: World Vision

The UK public have rallied to support the Disasters Emergency Committee's (DEC) Myanmar Earthquake Appeal, which raised £7.5 million on the first day and now £10 million, as Hugh Dennis, Simon Pegg, Myleene Klass and Dr Sian Williams help to raise vital funds for those impacted by Myanmar's devastating earthquake.

The DEC brings together 15 leading aid charities at times of crisis overseas, including four major Christian charities: CAFOD, Christian Aid, Tearfund and World Vision UK.

The appeal total includes a generous donation from Their Majesties The King and Queen, who are regular supporters of the DEC's appeals, and impressive donations from the UK public and DEC corporate partners. Donations to this appeal from the public are still being matched pound for pound by the UK government up to £5 million, as part of its UK Aid Match scheme.

Through the Catholic Church, CAFOD have been providing the emergency help that affected families need, primarily food, water and shelter, through a network of churches within Myanmar.

Janet Symes, CAFOD's Head of Region for Asia and Middle East, said: "We remain increasingly concerned by the rising death toll and growing humanitarian needs in Myanmar. This powerful earthquake has devastated thousands of people and families in areas already affected by conflict. As part of the Catholic church CAFOD is working with religious leaders in Myanmar who have teams on the ground and are responding to those most in need."

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and President of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, said: "The scale of suffering is deeply distressing, and I commend the swift response of CAFOD, the Church in Myanmar and the DEC in providing essential aid.

"We will continue to pray for all those affected-those who have lost loved ones, those in need of healing, and those working tirelessly to bring aid and hope in these challenging times."

Tearfund's local partner in Myanmar, said: "We are exhausted, people are exhausted, hungry and grieving, yet they push forward, helping one another, searching for survival. Trying to render kind words to each other and clinging to hope. The resilience of the human spirit is as visible as the destruction around me.

"Despite the devastation, we are seeing incredible acts of solidarity among the people. Neighbours are helping each other. Volunteers are stepping in to provide first aid, comfort the grieving, and care for children who have been separated from their families.

"Even those who have lost everything are offering whatever support they can, something like food or a place to rest. The resilience and kindness of the community in this crisis are truly inspiring, but the need for external support remains urgent."

Humanitarian aid agency World Vision has worked in Myanmar for more than three decades. Fola Komolafe, Chief Executive at World Vision UK, said: "Right now, countless children in Myanmar are facing the unimaginable losing their homes, their loved ones, and their sense of security.

"They are scared, hungry, and without shelter. But we know this: God is with them. He is their refuge, and He is calling us to be His hands and feet. At World Vision we are proud to have the opportunity to be with families and children in Myanmar right now, delivering life-saving aid where it is needed the most. We are calling on people that want to be part of the response effort, to join us by donating funds that we can turn into the help that is needed."

Julie Mehigan, Head of Asia, Middle East & Europe at Christian Aid, said: "Myanmar is one of the lowest-income countries in the world. Even before this heartbreaking earthquake, we know conflict and displacement has left countless people in real need. Every prayer and every gift will bring hope to people hit by disaster."

The latest fundraising announcement comes after nationwide television and radio appeals fronted by Hugh Dennis, Simon Pegg, Myleene Klass and Dr Sian Williams aired across BBC and commercial channels yesterday (3 April) calling for support.

The funds will provide urgent relief for people affected by the catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday 28 March, killing more than 3,000 people and injuring many more, with the death toll continuing to rise. DEC charities are already working with their local partners around the clock to provide emergency aid including shelter, food, clean water, medical care and psychological support to some of the hundreds of thousands of families impacted by the disaster.

Saleh Saeed, Chief Executive of the DEC, said: "We are extremely grateful to all the people who have already donated to the DEC Myanmar Earthquake Appeal. Once again, the UK public have shown their immense generosity and desire to help those impacted by disasters.

"The stories we are now hearing from the survivors who have managed to escape the ruins of flattened buildings are harrowing. Children have lost their families. Thousands have suffered life-changing injuries. Countless more have had their homes and possessions destroyed.

"Life-saving aid is already being delivered by member charities using funds donated to the DEC. But we can reach more people, families and children with your donations. If you are able - please help."

The earthquake has caused widespread damage to infrastructure, roads and buildings, including schools and water supplies. Power lines and networks are down, cutting thousands off from essential services. It has severely exacerbated an already serious humanitarian crisis that had left over a third of the country's population in need of humanitarian aid.

How to donate:

Online: https://dec.org.uk
Phone: 0330 123 0555
Text to give/SMS: for press releases: text SUPPORT to 70727 to donate £10. Other partners should use the specific text codes they have been provided with by the DEC.
Donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office, or send a cheque by post to: DEC Myanmar Earthquake Appeal, PO Box 999, London EC3A 3AA.