The British public’s “overwhelming generosity” has helped the Philippines typhoon appeal become one of the most successful donation campaigns in history.
The Disasters Emergency Committee appeal has reached £39million in little over a week, helping to fund crucial aid in some of the worst-hit parts of the islands.
Four million people have been forced to leave their homes since Typhoon Haiyan struck 10 days ago, and the death toll is expected to exceed 10,000.
Speaking on behalf of the 14 UK charities which make up the DEC, chief executive Saleh Saeed said: “We have been completely overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion of the UK public. The response has been incredible.
“However, with 11million people affected and 4million people becoming displaced from their homes, the need for urgent support is vital.
“Through DEC agencies we are getting clean water, medication, sanitation and temporary shelter materials immediately to people. We must also start to look at the future as, sadly, we know it will take months and years to rebuild people’s lives.”
Celebrities have also used their influence to spread the fundraising message. Jamie Oliver, Amanda Holden and Frank Skinner are among the stars who have been taking donations from callers for the DEC appeal.
Meanwhile, the British effort to deliver aid to the Philippines continues apace. A plane loaded with 95 tonnes of water and sanitation equipment left East Midlands Airport on Sunday night, a BA jet has been dispatched to the crisis zone and the warship HMS Daring arrived in the Philippines on Sunday.
A number of Britons are missing.
Among those feared dead is Colin Bembridge, 61, from Grimsby, Lincolnshire, who was staying with his Filipino partner, Maybelle, 35, and their three-year-old daughter, Victoria, near the city of Tacloban when the storm struck.