“We urgently need to do more”: Actors Christopher Chung and Indira Varma call for more donations, as aftershocks strike regions devastated by Myanmar earthquake

Actors Christopher Chung, known for his roles in Doctor Who and Slow Horses, and Indira Varma, recognized from Game of Thrones and Mission Impossible 7, have publicly backed the Disaster Emergency Committee’s (DEC) Myanmar Earthquake Appeal through a moving video released on the DEC’s platforms. This video sheds light on the catastrophic impact of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March, a disaster that shattered countless lives in mere seconds. The actors stress the urgency of providing humanitarian aid as aftershocks continue to rattle the region, with hundreds already recorded, and warn that without immediate help, the survivors face worsening conditions due to soaring temperatures and the looming monsoon season. On 30 March, just days after the initial quake, central Myanmar was hit again by a 5.5 magnitude aftershock coinciding with the start of Thingyan, Myanmar's traditional New Year celebrations, complicating relief efforts further. Since the DEC launched its appeal on 3 April, over £18 million has been raised, thanks to the generosity of the UK public, corporate partners, and government contributions including £5 million from UK Aid Match. Despite this, aid workers emphasize that much more support is desperately needed to address the overwhelming needs of a population where over 3,600 have died and approximately 17 million remain affected. The humanitarian crisis is compounded by the fact that a significant portion of Myanmar’s population already required aid prior to the earthquake. Now, thousands are injured and urgently need medical attention. The lack of shelter and basic necessities exposes survivors to the elements, especially vulnerable groups like newborn babies who are forced to sleep outside. Indira Varma, an IRC Ambassador, highlights the resilience she has witnessed firsthand while working with affected communities, but acknowledges that the long-term recovery will be a prolonged battle, intensified by the approaching monsoon rains. Christopher Chung stresses the heightened risk of disease in overcrowded displacement camps, worsened by shortages of essential medicines. He calls for continued public support, noting that DEC member charities are actively delivering hygiene kits, clean water, mobile medical clinics, and other critical supplies on the ground. The collective efforts of organizations such as the British Red Cross, International Rescue Committee, and World Vision are focused on providing immediate relief to those hardest hit. DEC charities are engaging in a variety of relief activities, including building temporary shelters, distributing blankets and tarpaulins, supplying emergency food like rice and chickpeas, and running child-friendly spaces offering psychosocial support for young survivors. They also provide cash assistance to empower families to meet urgent needs and help sustain local economies. The coordinated response involves 15 UK-based aid charities who have decades of experience working with local partners in Myanmar and are already mobilized to save, protect, and rebuild lives. The DEC appeals directly to the UK public to maintain and increase donations, emphasizing that every contribution can bring hope to families devastated by this disaster. The aid is vital to support ongoing relief work and prepare for the harsh conditions to come. Both actors, through their advocacy, are urging people not to turn away, stressing that while the earthquake’s destruction was swift, the path to recovery will be long and arduous, requiring sustained international solidarity and generosity.