TV appeal for Asia quake victims

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BBC presenter Christine Bleakley presents an appeal on behalf of the Disasters Emergency Committee

A major TV appeal has been launched by the Disasters Emergency Committee to help victims of the earthquake and typhoons in south-east Asia.

Four million people have been affected as their homes have been destroyed, crops ruined and services wiped out.

More than 1,000 people died in Indonesia after the quake struck on 30 September. Hundreds more died in two typhoons, mostly in the Philippines.

British rescue teams say work in the region is moving towards relief.

Millions have seen the world they know ripped apart around them Brendan Gormley Disaster appeal for quake victims

According to Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency, 83,712 houses, 200 public buildings and 285 schools were destroyed.

Another 100,000 buildings and 20 miles of road were badly damaged and five bridges had collapsed.

DEC chief executive Brendan Gormley said: "The nature of these disasters vividly recalls the horrors of the 2004 tsunami. Millions have seen the world they know ripped apart around them."

He said although DEC member agencies were already responding, they urgently needed the public's help to fund their work.

"We recognise that these are difficult and uncertain times for many people in the UK too but we have no doubt that there will still be a strong desire to help."

The DEC is also asking for donations for victims of two typhoons that ripped through parts of the Philippines and Vietnam.

Donations can be made by ringing 0370 60 60 900 or visiting the DEC website.