City charity appeals for famine aid

A humanitarian charity based in the Capital has warned that huge numbers of people affected by the Somalian food crisis are in need of help.

Mervyn Lee, executive director of Mercy Corps, said: "This is the worst drought the region has seen in 60 years, and the first time the UN has declared a famine since 1984. It's affecting hundreds of thousands of families and the situation is extremely serious.

"We know from our teams on the ground that the drought has had a devastating impact and that millions of people are on the move looking for food and water. Traditional herders and their families have been hit the hardest, and women, children and the elderly are the first ones succumbing to starvation and disease."

Donate at www.mercycorps.org.uk, by calling 0800 0665766, or text 'TAKE10 10' to 70070 to donate 10.