The British Red Cross has launched an appeal in aid of the devastating Japanese earthquake and tsunami.

The Disasters Emergency Committee will “definitely not” be launching an appeal for the disaster, a DEC spokesman told Civil Society. Apart from the British Red Cross, DEC members do not have much presence in Japan and the DEC members are specifically geared towards responding to disasters in poorer countries with weaker infrastructure, a statement from the organisation body read.

The Red Cross, which is also running appeals for the New Zealand earthquake and Libyan uprising, will be funnelling donations to the Japanese Red Cross, which is working with the Japanese government in the relief efforts. The New Zealand appeal had raised £1m as of last week.

The DEC spokesman said that other members may soon launch action in support of the Japanese victims.