Despite the scale of the environmental disaster, the autocratic Burmese government has been reluctant to give aid workers free rein within its borders, reportedly taking the line of: “give us the money, we’ll distribute it.”
But the Disasters Emergency Committee, a coalition of UK-based aid agencies and charities, says some of its members who have had a long-term presence in the country, such as the Red Cross and Save the Children, are able to get the help to where it is most needed.
Exectuive director of DEC, Brendan Gormley, said: “our members are there and need the UK public to show huge generosity to help them reach those thousands of people who have seen their lives and livelihoods uprooted by this disaster.”
To give to the appeal, call 0870 6060900 or donate online at www.dec.org.uk