TV and Radio presenter Anita Rani has thrown her support to the British Red Cross Global Coronavirus appeal following the ongoing devastating scenes in India.

In a video released by Rani, she says she feels “devastated and helpless” at the news footage coming out of country as “people are losing loved ones at a really rapid rate”.

She then urges followers to donate to the British Red Cross appeal, announcing all money raised in the next two weeks will go directly to supporting India, including providing medical supplies and crucial oxygen.

Right now, the situation in India is critical. For the last six days, over 320,000 positive cases of coronavirus have been recorded in India daily - a grim and deeply upsetting world record. 

More than 3,000 people have lost their lives every day for the last six days, with these numbers expected to rise dramatically.

Over 46,000 Red Cross staff and volunteers across 550 districts in India are supporting Covid-19 response efforts, including providing oxygen, ambulance services, first aid, medical care, and PPE within Indian communities.

The Red Cross is also working closely with authorities to care for those who need it most, including the elderly, single mothers, and people with disabilities.

All money raised in the next two weeks will go directly to the Red Cross Coronavirus response in India and will help those most at risk of contracting the deadly virus. 

The British Red Cross has reached more than 1.5million people since the start of the pandemic.

You can find out more about the British Red Cross Global Coronavirus appeal and donate here