Parts of the Horn of Africa have been hit by the worst drought in 60 years, according to the UN.
An unusually dry rainy season combined with rising food prices have led to severe food shortages in countries including Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Uganda.
Cattle and sheep are dying at higher rates than usual, reaching up to 60 percent of mortality in some areas.
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"Over 10 million people are affected by the drought in one way or other," said Elisabeth Byrs, spokeswoman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
"We believe that the drought situation in certain regions is the worst in 60 years," she added.
Food prices in some parts of Kenya were up to 80 percent higher than the five year average, while in Ethiopia, the consumer price index jumped about 41 percent, AFP reported.
Oxfam's humanitarian director Jane Cocking backed the UK government's action in pledging £38 million.
"The money cannot come soon enough," she said. "There are already critical and life-threatening food shortages in Ethiopia and across the Horn of Africa region.
"Other donors now need to follow suit and increase funding before it is too late," urged the charity boss.
