DEC launched Philippines Typhoon Appeal
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) today launched an appeal for people affected by the devastating Philippines typhoon.
The organisation said its members, which are the UK’s leading aid agencies, are already responding to the crisis but the scale of destruction is such that there is huge unmet need.
Typhoon Haiyan – said to be the strongest ever to make landfall – has rendered roads impassable and airports out of action which is severely hampering relief efforts, the DEC said.
DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed said: “The destruction in Tacloban city, on the east coast, is said to be reminiscent of the Boxing Day Tsunami. There is currently no food, water or electricity. We can only imagine how much worse the situation will be for families living in towns and remote villages.
“DEC members are doing all they can to get aid through but they need a huge injection of funds in order to do so. The priorities are getting food, water and shelter to people in desperate need.”
The DEC appeal will go out live tonight on BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky, Channel Five and other broadcast outlets, fronted by household names. The appeals will be broadcast primarily at the end of the early evening news programmes.
To make a donation to the DEC Philippines Typhoon Appeal visit http://www.dec.org.uk, call the 24 hour hotline on 0370 60 60 900, donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office, or send a cheque. You can also donate £5 by texting the word SUPPORT to 70000.
Stay up to date with developments in the Philippines, the emergency response and the DEC’s fundraising efforts on twitter: http://twitter.com/decappeal or on Facebook via http://www.facebook.com/DisastersEmergencyCommittee
What your money will buy
• £25 Water purification tablets for ten families for a month
• £50 Feed a family for two weeks
• £100 Emergency shelter and bedding for one family
Notes to editors
• The DEC brings 14 leading UK aid charities together in times of crisis: ActionAid UK, Age International, British Red Cross, CAFOD, Care International, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Islamic Relief, Merlin, Oxfam, Plan UK, Save the Children, Tearfund and World Vision; all collectively raising money to reach those in need quickly.
• All of our members will support the appeal and 13 of our 14 members are responding either directly or through partner organisations.
• Donations can be made at any high street bank and at post office counters.
• To donate £5 by text send the word SUPPORT to 70000. The full £5 will go to the DEC Philippines Typhoon Appeal. Donors must be 16 years or over and have the bill payer’s permission. Texts are free and donations will be added to the bill.
• Donations can be made at www.dec.org.uk or 0370 60 60 900
