THE Isle of Man's Overseas Aid Committee has donated £50,000 of emergency funding to Oxfam to help victims of the drought in the Horn of Africa.

The drought, said to be the worst in 60 years, is currently affecting the east of Africa including the states of Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya.

More than 10 million people are affected with the United Nations has described the situation as a humanitarian emergency.

The drought has wiped out cattle and crops leaving people in desperate need of food, water and emergency healthcare. UNICEF has reported that more than two million children under the age of five are currently at risk of starving.

Phil Gawne MHK, the chairman of the committee, said: "As the public will be aware the situation in the Horn of Africa is extremely serious and I hope that this contribution, combined with the efforts of the international community, will make a real difference. However I would urge everyone to support the recently announced appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee."

The Island's donation will contribute to the immediate needs of 210,000 people who are worst hit by the drought. It will be spent on improving access to safe drinking water, implementing public health promotion activities and helping livestock stay alive and healthy.