Donations for the Tsunami appeal are predicted to reach £200 million, according to the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC). So far there have been 1.7 million telephone donations, 650,000 online donations, 106,000 text donations and 350,000 postal donations.

The success of the appeal means that the DEC is to begin winding down its plea for funds to concentrate on delivering aid. However, fundraising events are still expected to continue for some months, the monies from which have been factored into spending plans.

Brendan Gormley, chief executive of the DEC, said: “The generosity of the public has been humbling. DEC agencies are immensely grateful and are already getting aid to those who need it most. We are all fully committed to reporting back on progress on a regular basis.”

The DEC agencies will continue to work together, and in conjunction with national governments and the United Nations. Water, food, shelter, clothing and medical supplies are already being delivered while longer term work focusing on rehabilitation and livelihood projects is planned for the future.

Many of the DEC agencies are members of the Make Poverty History coalition, and it is hoped that those people who donated to the Tsunami appeal will extend their support to this campaign.

Gormley said: “The response of the British public to the Tsunami appeal has shown that we care more than ever about the fate of people in poor countries. Let’s turn this good will into long term change for the better.”

Find out more about the coalition at www.makepovertyhistory.org