DEC Cyclone Idai Appeal: £8 million donated in first day

Press release 22 March 2019

Media Contacts: 020 7387 0200 or 07930 999 014 (out of hours) 
Donations can be made at www.dec.org.uk or by calling 0370 60 60 610
** Spokespeople, recent photos and footage are available **

  • Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales make personal donations

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal for survivors of Cyclone Idai in south-eastern Africa has raised £8 million on its first day, with donations from the public still coming in.

Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales joined thousands of members of the public who have also donated to this humanitarian crisis which unfolded after the cyclone swept through Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe leaving a trail of destruction, affecting an estimated 2.6 million people.

Appeals were broadcast on the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky yesterday, presented by Ore Oduba and David Gyasi.

The UK Government matched pound for pound the first £2 million donated by the public to the DEC Cyclone Idai Appeal.

DEC member charities are working closely with national partners to support the rescue and relief effort, delivering clean water, emergency shelter materials and blankets, food such as pulses and maize flour, and urgent health assistance.

DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed said:

“We are extremely grateful for the huge generosity of everyone in the UK who has donated. We also thank the UK Government who matched pound for pound the first £2 million donated by the public, as well as our broadcast partners for having aired the appeal, reaching millions of viewers and listeners.”

“The situation across Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe remains desperate with thousands still to be brought to safety, and many more in need of food, medical attention, clean water and shelter. Rising water continues to hamper the rescue and relief effort in some areas, and every hour counts in the race to save lives.

“We urge people to continue donating. Please help now.”

Notes to Editors:

  • Media enquiries please call 020 7387 0200 or 07930 999 014 (out of hours)
  • UK Aid Match enquiries should be directed to the Department for International Development. Please call 0207 023 0600 (24 hour).
  • To make a donation to the DEC Cyclone Idai Appeal visit www.dec.org.uk, call the 24-hour hotline on 0370 60 60 610, donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office, or send a cheque. To donate £5 text SUPPORT to 70000. Texts cost £5 and the whole £5 goes to the DEC CYCLONE IDAI APPEAL. You must be 16 or over and please ask the bill payer's permission. For full terms and conditions and more information go to www.dec.org.uk
  • At times of very great need, the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) brings together a unique alliance of the UK’s leading aid agencies and broadcasters to maximise fundraising and quickly deliver effective emergency relief. The DEC brings together 14 major UK aid agencies: Action Against Hunger, Action Aid UK, Age International, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International UK, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide UK, Islamic Relief Worldwide, Oxfam GB, Plan International UK, Save the Children UK, Tearfund and World Vision UK.