THE Isle of Man has donated a further £100,000 to help victims of the famine in East Africa.

Last month the Island's Overseas Aid Committee agreed to give £50,000 to Oxfam to help those affected by the famine by improving access to safe and adequate water there.

Since then the scale of the famine has become increasingly apparent and the committee has agreed to provide funding to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal for the area.

The DEC is made up of 14 major UK-based agencies including Oxfam, Christian Aid, Save the Children, British Red Cross and Age UK.

The agencies will work together to help those affected by the famine crisis in East Africa, specifically in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan by providing food, water, therapeutic feeding for malnourished children and medical treatment.

Chairman of the Overseas Aid committee Phil Gawne MHK said: "Since last month, when the committee agreed to provide support for East Africa, the crisis has escalated and the UN has reported that three more regions in Somalia have been struck by famine, so I am glad we have been able to release a further £100,000.

"We are aware, however, that this is a modest contribution and once again I would encourage everyone to do what they can as individuals to support the DEC's appeal."