The Isle of Man has increased its support for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeals responding to the humanitarian crises in Yemen and East Africa.
 
A further ?50,000 has been provided to the two appeals, bringing the Island’s total contribution to ?150,000 for each.
 
In Yemen, the brutal civil war that has been raging since 2015 has resulted in large scale food and water shortages and rising malnutrition among the Yemeni people. The situation has now reached crisis point and the country is on the verge of famine.
 
Across East Africa, drought and conflict have left 16 million people on the brink of starvation and in urgent need of food, water and medical treatment. In Kenya, the government has declared a national emergency, while Ethiopia is battling a new wave of drought following the strongest ‘El Nino’ on record.
 
Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK said: ‘The Isle of Man Government’s Disaster and Emergency Relief budget provides financial assistance to DEC appeals. Our increased support for international aid efforts in both Yemen and East Africa reflects the continuing severity of these crises.’
 
Anyone wishing to find out more about the situation in Yemen or East Africa or to make a donation should visit www.dec.org.uk.