THE Isle of Man has donated ?36,000 to aid victims of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the cyclone in the south east region of India.

The Isle of Man Overseas Aid Committee has responded to appeals from the Tearfund and Christian Aid charities to provide emergency aid and the money has been donated to assist the emergency provision of water and sanitation facilities in the Congo, and the distribution of items to more than 10,000 people in the Fizi Territory of DRC.

Conflict flared in the Congo in April this year, with around 20,000 people being displaced after seeing their homes and businesses looted. There have been reports of crimes against humanity being committed against the displaced population, many of whom live without access to food, shelter, non food essentials, safe drinking water and sanitation facilities. 

Cyclone Laila, the worst storm to hit south east India for many years, struck in May. A total of 97,000 people were evacuated to cyclone shelters and a further one million people are without electricity and drinking water.

The IoM Overseas Aid Committee has pledged ?14,000 to support work undertaken by Christian Aid to provide emergency food rations, distribution of water and non food essentials and additional nutritional supplements for children and pregnant women.              

The new Chairman of the Committee, Phil Gawne MHK, said, “Emergency aid remains a vital part of international development and the purpose of the Committee’s Emergency Aid fund is to save and protect lives in emergency situations such as those addressed by these two worthwhile appeals.

“Clearly the modest amounts the Isle of Man can give will not be enough on their own to alleviate the suffering of the many thousands of people affected by these two emergencies. However, our funds, combined with those of the international community, will make a difference.”