Irish aid agencies working to help famine victims in Somalia and neighbouring countries in east Africa say the response to their appeals for financial help has been 'remarkable'.
Over the past six weeks, Irish people have donated €12m for famine relief, according to Dóchas, the overseas development agencies umbrella organisation.
This is in addition to the €8m being provided by the Government.
There have been several further warnings over the past 24 hours that the famine crisis in Somalia is worsening, with fears that up to 400,000 children there could die from disease and starvation.
Dóchas Director Hans Zomer said it was clear that Irish people had a deep understanding of the suffering famine victims were experiencing and wanted to help.
Trócaire says it has received more than €5m in donations; a further €4m has been contributed to Concern.
Trócaire's Chief Executive Justin Kilcullen said the money had made it possible for it to rapidly expand its operations in Somalia.
He said it was getting increasing amounts of food and medical aid to famine victims - including those living in areas controlled by the fundamentalist al-Shabaab organisation - and was about to launch a new initiative to reduce the incidence of malaria among children under the age of five.
Oxfam Ireland received over €1.1m in contributions for famine relief in Africa in recent weeks.
Chief executive Jim Clarken described the amount as 'absolutely fantastic' at a time when many Irish people were experiencing severe financial difficulties.
