The UK public have rallied together in support of the DEC's Venezuela Earthquake Appeal, which has now raised over £10m, and includes a donation from His Majesty The King.

As a long-standing supporter of the DEC, The King has over time shown a keen interest in the humanitarian work of DEC member charities. 

On the ground in Venezuela, DEC charities are working with local partners, who have been embedded within communities for many years and were among the first to respond following the devastating earthquakes.  

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has raised over £7 million so far for the appeal which launched yesterday. The money will be used for urgent medical supplies, food packages, water and shelter.

The fundraising announcement comes after nationwide television and radio appeals fronted by actor and International Rescue Committee Ambassador Adjoa Andoh MBE and Sir Michael aired yesterday – including one played before the England World Cup football game against the DRC.

The total includes £2 million matched by the UK Government through its UK Aid Match scheme, announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs, as well as £250,000 from the Scottish Government and £50,000 from the Welsh Government.

ITV News today announced the launch o0f the DEC appeal.

As well as the launch, focus on damaged and understaffed hospitals are becoming overwhelmed by injured patients, whilst infectious diseases spread in the disaster zone.

The article notes the Venezuelan healthcare system, strained by decades of underinvestment and years of economic crisis is "under extreme pressure now, with facilities operating beyond the capacity of the surge of the trauma cases," according to spokesperson Christian Lindmeier at a media briefing in Geneva.

BBC News Online today announced the launch of the DEC Venezuela Earthquake Appeal.

The story includes a quote from Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the money raised by the appeal would be matched by the government up to £2m.

"The people of Venezuela desperately need urgent humanitarian support from across the globe," she said.

Today (Wed 1 July) the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) is launching an urgent appeal to raise funds to reach people affected by the catastrophic earthquakes in Venezuela.

Saleh Saeed, DEC chief executive said: “Thousands of people in Venezuela have survived the unimaginable horror of two devastating earthquakes only to face the trauma of missing loved ones and finding their homes and neighborhoods destroyed.

“DEC charities are working around the clock with their local partners to reach people. The needs are overwhelming and the British public’s support could be a lifeline for families affected by this devastating disaster. Please donate now.”

Every pound donated by the British public will be matched by the UK Government through its UK Aid Match scheme, up to the value of £2 million.