Disasters Emergency Committee launches Myanmar earthquake appeal

Aid charities coalition Disasters Emergency Committee has launched its appeal for funds to support communities impacted by the major earthquake in Myanmar and the surrounding region.

The 7.7 magnitude earthquake has devastated Myanmar and nearby countries, killing more than 3,000 people with hundreds still missing.

The coalition, which is made up of 15 charities, including British Red Cross, Oxfam and Save the Children, details how 1.2m people have been displaced following the disaster with many having “no access to safe shelter, clean water, food and medical care”.

Money raised by the public for the fundraising appeal will be matched by the UK government for up to £5m.

“Myanmar was already facing a severe humanitarian crisis with a third of the population in need of humanitarian aid. Now the situation is catastrophic,” said the DEC.
“DEC charities are already on the ground in affected communities and are working hard to access remote areas. They urgently need more funds to scale up their work and reach the most vulnerable.”

The DEC has launched the Myanmar Earthquake Appeal to help those affected by the powerful earthquakes that have caused devastation in Myanmar.

Survivors urgently need critical support.

Please donate now. www.dec.org.uk/appeal/myanm...

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— Disasters Emergency Committee (@decappeal.bsky.social) April 3, 2025 at 10:22 AM


The fundraising appeal is being backed by the Charity Commission and the Fundraising Regulator, which are urging the public to give safely to registered charities to support efforts to support impacted communities.
https://donatewithconfidence.campaign.gov.uk/

They say that by bringing together aid charities it can “raise funds quickly and efficiently in times of crisis overseas”.

Charity Commission chief executive David Holdsworth said: “As the scale of the devastation caused by the earthquake in Myanmar has become clearer, charities are once again responding to pleas for international help.

“One way anyone can help is by making a donation to one of the many registered charities working to get aid to those in desperate need in Myanmar.”

“To make sure their generosity reaches the intended cause, we are reminding people to give with confidence through registered charities including by donating to the appeal launched by the Disasters Emergency Committee.”

Fundraising Regulator chief executive Gerald Oppenheim added: “The British public is always exceedingly generous in response to humanitarian disasters like the recent earthquake in Myanmar.

“We want to make sure that the public can continue to give, safe in the knowledge that their donations are going to help alleviate the suffering.

“By carrying out just a few simple checks – including looking out for a valid charity number and the Fundraising Badge – you can ensure you make informed decisions when donating to the disaster response.”

Among charities supporting aid efforts is Manchester based Human Appeal which has mobilised 13,000 food and shelter kit items to the region.

“The quake struck without warning causing widespread destruction, loss of lives, and severe displacement,” said the charity.

“Thousands of families have lost their homes and essential livelihood resources, requiring urgent humanitarian assistance.

“Immediate intervention is crucial to prevent further suffering and address urgent needs such as food, shelter, clean water, medical aid, and psychosocial support.”



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