The World Bank is increasing its funding for the drought in the Horn of Africa to $US1.8 billion - nearly four times the amount originally pledged in July.
It says the funds are needed to provide humanitarian assistance to millions of people.
The BBC reports the drought there is one of the worst in more than half a century.
The World Bank says there is still $US1 billion shortfall to provide for the estimated 13 million people who are in need in Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia.
The UN says the crisis could worsen in the coming weeks. It estimates that 10,000 people are dead across the region already.
