Alert Net - "Aid groups struggle with tsunami disaster" "Aid agencies struggled on Tuesday to cope with the enormity of the Asian tsunami disaster which has killed more than 28,000, with the International Red Cross saying it may have to treble its appeal for funds."
The Disasters Emergency Committee has received more than 524,000 phone calls since the hotlines opened on 28 December.
Brendan Gormley, DEC Chief Executive said: "We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the British public and continue to be humbled by their response."
"Money pledged so far is already making a difference to people whose lives have been shattered by this crisis. Life saving supplies such as food, water, medicines and shelter are already getting through," adds Brendan Gormley.
"But this is a crisis that is unprecedented in its scale. It will take many months and even years for communities to recover. So we ask the British public to continue in their generosity and support. The money is vital."
The 24 hour donation line is +44 (0)870-60-60-900 or donate online at www.dec.org.uk.
Donations can also be sent by post to:
DEC Tsunami Earthquake Appeal
PO Box 999
London EC3A 3AA
Cheques made payable: DEC Tsunami Earthquake Appeal
Donations can also be taken at any high street bank.
WHAT YOUR DONATIONS WILL BUY
£15 - Will buy one family plastic sheeting a water container and purification tablets
£35 - Provides a family with enough food for a week
£100 - Zinc sheeting and timber to help rebuild two family homes
The Disasters Emergency Committee is an umbrella organisation of Britain's 12 leading aid agencies which launches and coordinates Britain's national appeal in response to major disasters overseas.
Members of the DEC are: Action Aid, British Red Cross, CAFOD, Care International UK, Christian Aid, Concern, Help the Aged, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund, World Vision.
WHY IS CASH THE BEST WAY TO DONATE?
And the best way they can be assisted in this by the public is by donations of money.
The British Red Cross explain that donating cash is the best method of supplying aid, as charities can easily transfer this cash into vital aid packs, financial payments, water purification tablets and purchase equipment at vastly discounted prices.
The sending of gifts, for example unwanted clothes and tinned food, to affected areas is simply not practical in logistical terms of supplying aid. The Red Cross prefers instead to purchase items locally using the cash donated.
To find out how you can donate to the aid websites online, or via telephone, visit their websites below
THE AID APPEAL
Many charities are rushing aid to the disaster area and are appealing for donations now. Details of how to donate for three of the main charities is listed below.
You can download a postal form here and send to the British Red Cross, 9 Grosvenor Crescent, London, SW1X 7EJ
Oxfam
Visit Oxfam's website to donate online or call 0870 333 3500
Cheques can be accepted over the counter at any Oxfam shop (cash donations are also accepted), or by post to the following address: Oxfam, 274 Banbury Road, Oxford
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