The DEC has said today that for the first time in its 45 year history it has seen an increase in donations during the second week of an appeal.

More than two weeks after appeals for the Pakistan Floods were broadcast on 5th August, the level of donations remains high as the public become aware of the full scale of the tragedy. The DEC appeal has now raised £29 million in the UK, £2.3 million in Scotland.

The continuing high level of donations is critically important as 20 million people in Pakistan are now affected and there is a serious threat to survivors from water-borne diseases. DEC member agencies and their partners have so far helped over 800,000 people.

DEC Scotland Chair, Kathy Galloway said:

"In 45 years the DEC has never seen anything like the response to this appeal in its second week. In an earthquake the damage and human cost is easy to see whereas floods hide the true nature of the disaster. To put this in context donations to the Haiti Earthquake Appeal declined by 28% in the second week of the appeal, Indonesia, Phillippines and Vietnam Appeal donations by 62%, Myanmar donations by 54% and Tsunami donations by 24%. In contrast donations to the Pakistan Floods Appeal increased by 18% in the second week and have yet to begin dropping.

"There will be no quick recovery for Pakistan and we need to appreciate that it will be a long, hard slog before the country returns to anything resembling normality. The people of Scotland have realised this and have been very generous so far in their donations, but please don't stop giving now, when so many millions of people need our help."

The disaster has already claimed the lives of 1,600 people and is estimated to have affected 20 million people.

The DEC Pakistan Floods Appeal is separate from the pledges being sought by the United Nations which is hoping to secure funds from governments worldwide.

A summary of all other DEC Member Agency efforts can be found here.

To make a donation to the DEC Pakistan Floods Appeal call the 24 hour hotline on 0370 60 60 900, visit www.dec.org.uk or donate over the counter at any post office or high street bank, or send a cheque. You can also donate £5 by texting the word GIVE to 70707. A standard network rate charge will apply.

To make a postal donation make cheques payable to 'DEC Pakistan Floods Appeal' and mail to 'PO Box 999, London, EC3A 3AA'. To donate at a Post Office quote Freepay 1384.

The DEC consists of: Action Aid, Age UK, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International UK, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Islamic Relief, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund & World Vision.