The Disasters Emergency Committee’s Nepal Earthquake Appeal has raised £65m since it opened for donations just over three weeks ago.

Tomorrow marks four weeks since the 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, followed by a second quake a fortnight later, killing over 8,500 people.

The DEC has also revealed that its 13 aid agencies have reached over half a million people within the month.

The appeal opened for donations on 27 April, and formally launched with its television appeals fronted by actor and comedian Joanna Lumley the following day.

Saleh Saeed, DEC’s chief executive, said: “I have been very moved by the extraordinary generosity of the UK public in response to the appalling devastation in Nepal. Their kindness, combined with the courage and tenacity of the Nepali people, working with our member agencies and their partners, have helped provide aid to over half a million people in just one month.  

“This has been achieved even in many villages that were all but inaccessible even before the earthquake; despite Kathmandu’s small airport being completely overwhelmed; regardless of the severe damage to Nepal’s already inadequate road network; and in the face of extremely hazardous flying conditions for the limited number of available helicopters.

“There is no room for complacency. The monsoon is coming. The need for emergency shelter and materials to help people begin rebuilding homes is incredibly urgent because conditions for homeless survivors will be soon be intolerable and the road will become even more treacherous.”

Around the world, a total of £106m has been raised by the eight members of the Emergency Appeals Alliance, of which the DEC is a member.

Only two DEC appeals have ever raised more in their first month: the 2004 Haiti Earthquake appeal, which raised £77m, and the 2010 Philippines Typhoon appeal, which raised £73m.