The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has today launched an emergency appeal to support those affected by the Myanmar earthquake, which will be match funded by the government up to £5m.
The 7.7 magnitude earthquake, which struck on 28 March around 1pm local time, is so far thought to have killed more than 2,700 people, making it the second deadliest earthquake in the Asian country’s history.
All of the DEC’s 15 members, including Oxfam, Save the Children and the British Red Cross, are either responding or planning to respond in Myanmar and will receive funds from this appeal. Some may work through trusted local partners.
Money donated by the British public will be matched by the government through its aid match scheme, up to the value of £5m.
Development minister Baroness Chapman said: "The UK government is proud to support the Disasters Emergency Committee’s efforts to do more for people in desperate need in Myanmar.
“UK support is already reaching hardest hit areas, supplying emergency items, including food, water and shelter.
“For people already enduring so much turmoil, this crisis has only brought more suffering and urgent need to Myanmar.”
Regulators back DEC appeal
Meanwhile, regulators have urged donors to support registered charities to help earthquake efforts in Myanmar by donating through the DEC appeal.
David Holdsworth, the Charity Commission’s chief executive, said: “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.”
Gerald Oppenheim, chief executive of the Fundraising Regulator, said: “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.”
The government’s aid match scheme, first launched in 2013, raised over £120m in its first phase between 2013 and 2016, while its second phase remains active.
