Stars rally for Hurricane Matthew relief efforts

Jared Leto, Pink, Robbie Williams, and Heidi Klum are among the stars who have appealed to fans for charitable donations in aid of Hurricane Matthew relief efforts.

The severe storm battered the Caribbean as it swept through the region on Wednesday (05Oct16) and Thursday (06Oct16), and it is now poised to make landfall in Florida and Georgia, where officials have ordered millions of residents to evacuate.

Celebrities have flocked to social media to urge fans to stay safe, and a number of stars have also encouraged others to donate what they can to kickstart the recovery effort in areas already devastated by the hurricane.

Oscar winner Leto highlighted the work of global medical organization Partners in Health as he took to Twitter and asked fans, "Want to help Haitians in need during #HurricaneMatthew? @PIH is on the ground in Haiti. Donate here", before sharing a link to the company's fundraising page.

Pop star Pink backed the efforts of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) as she tweeted, "UNICEF is ready to provide lifesaving aid to the areas hardest hit by #HurricaneMatthew. You can help," and British singer Robbie Williams posted, "Heartbroken to see the people of #Haiti having to deal with #HurricaneMatthew. Please donate to @unicef_uk and help", as model-turned-TV personality Heidi Klum shared: "In 2012, I visited the kids of Haiti w/ (with) @UNICEFUSA. They need ur (your) help now. PLEASE Support #HurricaneMatthew relief".

Florence + The Machine star Florence Welch and Monty Python icon Eric Idle threw their support behind Care International, as former Spice Girls member Melanie C and British comedian Stephen Fry rallied for Action Aid.

Meanwhile, rapper Nicki Minaj and actress Reese Witherspoon took to Twitter on Thursday to send their thoughts to those caught up in the dangerous storm.

"My prayers go out to all of those effected (sic) by #HurricaneMatthew Praying for safety," Reese wrote, while singer Josh Groban posted, "Hang in there, Floridians #HurricaneMatthew", and actress Marlee Matlin addressed U.S. residents living on the East Coast, declaring: "#HurricaneMatthew is no joke. Pay attention to evacuation orders, check the news and @RedCross. This is going to affect millions."

The serious weather conditions have also disrupted concert schedules for artists including Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, and The Chainsmokers, among others, who have canceled U.S. gigs in the path of Hurricane Matthew amid safety concerns.