Leading UK aid agencies including Christian Aid, CAFOD, Tearfund and World Vision UK today announced a joint fundraising appeal to help the survivors of the 7.4 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that struck Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, last Friday.

Over 1,300 people are confirmed dead and 200,000 people are in urgent need of clean water, food, medical care and shelter.

Homes and entire communities have been destroyed after the earthquake and a tsunami with waves travelling at over 400 miles per hour left a trail of destruction in their wake in one of the worst Indonesian disasters since the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami.

As rescuers struggle to reach outlying communities, authorities fear that casualties and the number of people displaced by the disaster will rise in the coming days. Up to 1.5 million people may have been affected.

The DEC Indonesia Tsunami Appeal is launching today and will be shown on all major UK broadcasters including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky.

DEC chief executive, Saleh Saeed, said: 'DEC member charities and their local partners are working closely with the Indonesian authorities to get aid to those who urgently need it, as well as helping survivors to cope with the trauma of the last few days.

'As the full scale of the disaster unfolds, they are providing emergency relief and are ready to help devastated communities to rebuild their lives.

'There is an urgent need for clean drinking water, food, medical care and shelter. Please give generously and let's save the survivors.'

To make a donation to the appeal visit www.dec.org.uk, call the 24-hour hotline on 0370 60 60 900, donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office, or send a cheque. To donate £5 text SUPPORT to 70000. Texts cost £5 and the whole £5 goes to the DEC Indonesia Tsunami Appeal.