Stars back £1m appeal to help victims of South Asia flooding

A £1 million appeal was launched today to help some of the most vulnerable people hit by severe flooding in India, Bangladesh and Nepal.

More than 360 people died and 20 million people were affected by flooding caused by two weeks of persistent rain.

The international aid agency Oxfam set up the fundraising campaign to provide 200,000 of the hardest-hit people with food, emergency shelter, hygiene items, clean water and safe sanitation.

The appeal has been backed by Daniela Nardini, the Scots actress, and Shareen Nanjiani, the broadcaster.

The organisation has been working with governments and other aid agencies since last month to deliver emergency relief to affected areas, but Ashvin Dayal, the head of Oxfam in South Asia, said more assistance was needed.

"Across the region people are struggling to cope," he said. "Millions of the very poorest have lost their homes, their possessions and their livelihoods.

"Thanks to good preparation, we have responded quickly and saved lives, but people desperately need our help to get back on their feet again. We are calling on the British public to give whatever they can to help."

Daniela Nardini said: "When I see the pictures of the desperate situation people are in across South Asia, I know that I have to do something to help, and that is why I am backing Oxfam's appeal and asking others to do the same."

The actress added: "Flooding can be devastating wherever it happens. However, when it strikes communities who are already living in deep poverty it is even harder to cope with and recover from."

• Donations to the Oxfam appeal can be made by logging on to www.oxfam.org.uk going into any Oxfam shop, or by calling the appeal hotline on 0870 333 2500.