International aid agencies say that they are racing against time to raise funds for northern Africa before summer storms hit the region and bring the risk of deadly diseases such as malaria.

Twelve British-based charities, including World Vision and Save the Children, have banded together to launch an emergency appeal for the Darfur region in Sudan, the Central African Republic and Chad, all of which have been affected by regional conflict that has displaced more than two million people.

“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 worse,” Brendan Gormley, chief executive of the Disasters Emergency Committee, said yesterday.

Heavy rains are expected to hit the region within four weeks, and the committee says that at least £10 million needs to be raised for aid agencies to continue their work through the season. (AP)

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