DEC Myanmar Earthquake Appeal raises £7.5 million on first day, as Their Majesties The King and Queen donate

The UK public have rallied to support the Disasters Emergency Committee’s (DEC) Myanmar Earthquake Appeal, which has raised £7.5 million on the first day, 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 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.  
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.  

The DEC brings together 15 leading aid charities at times of crisis overseas. All of them are responding in Myanmar including Islamic Relief, Concern Worldwide and the International Rescue Committee, working with locally-led relief efforts.

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 has left over a third of the country’s population in need of humanitarian aid.  

Comedian, writer, actor and ActionAid UK ambassador Hugh Dennis said: “This is already a heartbreaking tragedy – but without immediate humanitarian assistance the situation will rapidly become even more unbearable for millions of families in Myanmar.

“Thousands of people have lost everything overnight - their homes, their loved ones and their livelihoods. Survivors are sleeping in unsafe, makeshift shelters, living in terror as aftershocks continue to cause further destruction. They urgently need our help.  

“Any donation to the DEC will help critical rescue efforts and provide vital support including medical treatment, emergency shelter and safe drinking water. Please donate today if you can.”  

Myleene Klass, musician and Save the Children UK ambassador said: “Children and families have been put through a terrifying, traumatising experience that has left thousands dead and many more without shelter. It’s devastating to see the images of children’s backpacks lying in the rubble where schools once stood. Many children are in shock after witnessing the death of friends and family, and the destruction of their homes. Some are still separated from their families. They are running out of food and clean water, and many have nowhere safe to stay. The situation is especially catastrophic for pregnant mothers, newborns and young children.  

“I’ve visited disaster zones before, and I know the difference that the swift response from DEC charities can make. The millions of people impacted by this disaster cannot wait – please donate to the DEC appeal now to save children’s lives in Myanmar. Thank you.”

Simon Pegg, actor, writer and Oxfam ambassador, said: “The images and stories coming out of Myanmar are absolutely horrifying. The level of devastation is hard to comprehend. Entire communities have been destroyed, leaving children and their families with no choice but to sleep on the roads where their homes used to be. Access to clean water is difficult, medical centres are overwhelmed and the threat of diseases such as cholera is increasing daily. Rescue workers are struggling in soaring temperatures, and monsoon rains - due any day - will make this catastrophic situation even worse.

“I’ve seen for myself how critical the DEC’s role can be in getting aid to people who need it, fast. DEC charities are on the ground right now, racing against time to help survivors, who urgently need food, water and shelter. Please give whatever you can."

ENDS  
 
Notes to editors:  

Media enquiries please call 020 7387 0200 or 07930 999 014 (out of hours)    

A collection of images and video footage of the aftermath of the earthquake and DEC charities responding is available here.  

About the DEC: The DEC brings together 15 leading UK aid charities at times of crisis overseas to raise funds quickly and efficiently. In these times of crisis, people in life-and-death situations need our help and our mission is to save, protect and rebuild lives through effective humanitarian response. The DEC’s 15 member charities are: Action Against Hunger, ActionAid UK, Age International, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International UK, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide UK, International Rescue