GOAL appeals for funds for Ethiopia

The Irish Aid agency GOAL is making an urgent appeal for funds for it's emergency operations in Ethiopia.

Almost 14 million people risk starvation because of drought.

Rains have failed in around a quarter of Ethiopia this year, leading to total crop failure in parts of the country.

GOAL's Dr Mary McLoughlin, who is in Ethiopia, says it is a desperate situation.

"One quarter of the country and possibly a population of 12 million people whose crops have failed face starvation. The grass has died, their animals have not produced milk and are now dying in droves.

"These people literally have no ability to feed themselves, they are completely dependent on food aid from the aid agencies and international community."