Generous Scots have already donated over £1m to the DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal since its launch. But agencies are urging the public to continue to be generous so that essential supplies can reach people who need them most.

The massive response shows that the Scottish public understand that member agencies need their support as they overcome grave communications and logistical problems to help the tens of thousands of people desperately needing assistance.

The amount includes online and phone donations only, with amounts from corporate, postal, events, SMS and over-the-counter donations still to be recorded.

Gerry McLaughlin, Chair of the DEC in Scotland, said:

"The Scottish public's deep sense of horror and need to help has been shown by the level of support we are already seeing online and over the phone. Their support means that our member agencies can co-ordinate and deliver emergency aid to the swathes of people who urgently need shelter, medical help, safe water and food.

"Aid is beginning to get through, with more supplies arriving today. We urge the public to continue to dig deep into their pockets so supplies can be sourced and delivered as swiftly as possible over the next few days and weeks."

The DEC appeal was made public on Wednesday (13), but the full broadcast launch was not until Friday. The appeal follows an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter Scale which levelled large parts of the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas.

Many DEC members already had a presence in Haiti before the earthquake so have the experience, local knowledge and links with local partners and community groups to ensure that emergency assistance can be delivered, despite the scale of the catastrophe.

Examples of what donations will go to include:

* £25 will supply a kit of household essentials.
* £50 buys a food pack to feed a family for a fortnight.
* £100 provides temporary shelter for two families.

To make a donation to the DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal visit www.dec.org.uk or call 0370 60 60 900, or text "GIVE" to 70077 (donates £5 to the DEC for Haiti (UK only)), donate over the counter at any post office or high street bank, or send a cheque made payable to 'DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal' to 'PO Box 999, London, EC3A 3AA'.

Anyone who wants to stay up to date with developments in Haiti, the emergency response and the fundraising efforts can follow the DEC on twitter at http://twitter.com/decappeal or become a fan of Disasters Emergency Committee on Facebook.