£7 million has been given by the UK public with the UK government donating £5 million

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal for the crisis in East Africa raised £12 million in less than 24 hours, with money continuing to pour in from the public.

Drought and conflict have left 16 million people on the brink of starvation and in urgent need of food, water and medical treatment.

People are already dying in South Sudan and Somalia. In Kenya, the government has declared a national emergency and Ethiopia is battling a new wave of drought following the strongest El Niño on record.

DEC member charities are already reaching millions of people across the four countries with lifesaving aid, such as food, treatment for malnutrition and cash, but despite the strong start to to fundraising much more needs to be done to reach those in desperate need.

DEC chief executive Saleh Saeed said: “People in the UK have, once again, shown their huge generosity and we’re very grateful for their response to the devastating humanitarian crisis in East Africa.

“The powerful TV appeals highlighted the desperate situation of families, children and older people. This has really struck a chord with the public, who have recognised the urgency of the crisis.

“The needs are huge. We would urge people to continue demonstrating compassion and generosity so that DEC member charities can continue to save lives and reduce the suffering of people in East Africa. Please don’t delay, donate.”

The £12 million funds raised is made up of £7 million given by the UK public by text, phone and online, and £5 million from the UK government through the Aid Match Fund.

To make a donation to the DEC East Africa Crisis Appeal visit: dec.org.uk, call the 24-hour hotline on 0370 60 60 610, donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office, or send a cheque. You can also donate £5 by texting the word SUPPORT to 70000.