Gillian Anderson, the actress, and JJ Chalmers, the television presenter, have already backed the appeal, which was launched to fund emergency food, shelter and healthcare.

The UK Government has said it will match public donations to the appeal, up to a maximum of £10 million.

Saleh Saeed, the DEC chief executive, said: “I urge the public, if they can, to continue to donate. The crisis is not over. Eight million people are on the brink of famine in Afghanistan, and we have a small window of opportunity to offer vital assistance.”