DEC Venezuela earthquake appeal raises over £10m, as His Majesty the King donates alongside generous British public

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. The donation to the appeal will help DEC charities continue to provide vital support to people in Venezuela affected by the disaster, alongside the contributions of the British public.

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

Saleh Saeed, Chief Executive of the Disasters Emergency Committee is in Venezuela to witness aid distribution by member charities.

Examples of how DEC charities and their local partners are supporting people in Venezuela include:

• shelter facilities to support people who may require temporary refuge due to damaged homes or unsafe buildings.
• life-saving essentials include shelter, food, water & hygiene kits, where key infrastructure has been damaged.
• child-friendly spaces, providing safe environments for play, recreation, and psychosocial activities for affected children

The DEC brings together 15 leading aid charities at times of crisis overseas. Fourteen of which are responding in Venezuela including International Rescue Committee, Save the Children and Oxfam, working with locally led relief efforts.

Donations to this appeal from the public were matched pound for pound by the UK government up to £2 million, as part of its UK Aid Match scheme.