The British Red Cross has joined forces with other leading international aid charities in the UK to launch an emergency appeal to save lives in Darfur, Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR).

As many as 4.5 million people are affected by the ongoing conflict. Looming rains are increasing the risk of deadly conditions like diarrhoea and malaria, especially for children, pregnant mothers and the elderly.

With malnutrition levels already rising in some areas, aid agencies are appealing for vital help to respond to the rapidly growing crisis. Aid agencies need to bolster life-saving food and medicine stocks before the downpours hit any time within the next four weeks.

The gathering storms will also make the delivery of aid a much more difficult task, with vehicle tracks disappearing and swollen rivers becoming all but impossible to cross - meaning help needs to arrive as soon as possible.

Disasters Emergency Committee

Brendan Gormley, chief executive of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) said: "We are seeing one of the greatest concentrations of human suffering right now in Darfur and Chad and the impending rains will make the situation even worse. The money raised by the British public in 2004 saved thousands of lives and we desperately need your help again.

"We have been keeping people alive but access is already severely hampered by conflict and the rains will make it much harder for us to respond if we don't act now.

"The fact that the UK's leading agencies have come together to appeal shows the severity of the situation. Charities are working tirelessly in the region, with your help, they can literally save thousands more lives. We need to act urgently - please do give generously."

Response

With violence in the region escalating, many villages are burnt out shells and two-thirds of the population in Darfur are dependent on aid.

Money raised by this appeal will help people affected by the conflict, by giving them shelter, clean water and sanitation, as well as emergency food and water buckets, blankets and soap. The appeal will also enable medical teams to provide emergency care.

You can donate to the Darfur and Chad Crisis Appeal by calling 0870 60 60 900 (national call rates), visiting www.dec.org.uk or donating at any post office or high street bank. Cheques made payable to Darfur and Chad Crisis can be sent to DEC Darfur and Chad Crisis Appeal, PO BOX 999, London, EC3A 3AA.

Read about the work the Red Cross is doing in Darfur, Chad, and CAR.