Actors host volcano TV appeal

The Cold Feet star is fronting the Goma victims' appeal

Actors James Nesbitt and Robert Lindsay are fronting a television appeal to raise cash for people whose lives were devastated by the eruption in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Some of Britain's biggest charities joined together in London to launch the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Goma Crisis Appeal, which is being advertised on all major TV channels from Thursday.

These people's possessions have been destroyed in front of their eyes

Salil Shetty
Action Aid

Tens of thousands of people lost everything when the volcano near Goma erupted.

They are now returning to their devastated town, but the eruption has further damaged an already fragile infrastructure in this poverty stricken region.

DEC chief executive, Brendan Gormley, said he knew that the British public had been moved by the plight of the Goma victims.

"I have plans on my desk for a £5m programme which is unfunded as we speak," he said.

Ready to help

"Our member agencies are already working in the area, striving to prevent hunger and disease adding to the misery of the victims of the eruption

"We are ready to help in any way we can, whether by delivering food, shelter or drinking water."

Food is being distributed to villagers in the region

Charities involved in the appeal include Action Aid, Christian Aid, Merlin, Oxfam and Save the Children.

Some are already working in the disaster area left by the eruption.

Oxfam has sent 33 tonnes of water-cleansing equipment and bedding to the region and UK health charity Merlin has opened clinics in Goma and border refugee camps.

Salil Shetty, chief executive of Action Aid, described the devastation in Goma and stressed that together the charities could make a much bigger difference.

"You have to imagine a town like Brighton or Bath being destroyed overnight," he said.

"These people's possessions have been destroyed in front of their eyes. Everything was demolished in a few hours, this is the reality on the ground.

Tens of thousands of people lost everything

"A huge number of people are facing starvation, and the spectre of cholera is in front of them.

"For the time being they have immediate needs but there is also the long-term question of how we rebuild these people lives.

"Individually as organisations we will be able to make a difference, but together I think we can make a much bigger difference," he added.

It is believed that up to 60,000 people have had their homes crushed and burned.

Most of them have lost the few possessions they had and any hope for a better future.

Civil war

This crisis is the latest blow to a region that has suffered terribly in the recent past.

Since August 1998, more than 2.5 million people in the region have either been killed in conflict or died from malnutrition and disease.

The civil war has led to huge movements of population and lack of stability, with the consequence that there has been little or no economic or social investment for years.

Donations to the appeal can be made on-line at www.Dec.Org.Uk or by telephone on 0870 6060 900, or by post to: DEC Goma Crisis Appeal, PO BOX 999, London EC3A 3AA. The DEC's member agencies are: Action Aid, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International, Children's Aid Direct, Christian Aid, Christian Children's Fund (GB), Concern, Help The Aged, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund, World Vision.