Emergency appeal - flooding in Moldova

36,000 people have been affected by the worst floods to hit the region in 200 years. Can you help?

After torrential rain for several days, there is extensive flooding across Moldova and neighbouring Romania and the Ukraine, leaving at least 30 people dead and around 36,000 people in need of immediate help.

The flooding caused two rivers, the Nistru and the Prut, to burst their banks. To make matters worse, the sluice gates on a reservoir, situated on the river Prut, had to be opened, to prevent the reservoir from overflowing - only to make matters even worse for the 27 villages in the valley below.

Feed The Children has a 20-tonne shipment of aid, almost ready to go - we have food, toiletries, water filtration kits immediately - but we need more blankets to give optimum assistance.

Can you help, by donating a blanket, or a cash gift to help with transport costs? Blankets are always the first item to be asked for in disaster situations, and provide essential basic warmth to families made homeless or rescued from flood water.

Blankets of any size or style are suitable, so long as they are clean and in good condition.

We have seen floods in the UK, and appreciate the devastation an overflowing river causes to homes and businesses. Moldova, though, is one of the poorest countries in Europe, struggling with a large national debt and high unemployment. Many families depend on vegetables they can grow in their gardens - now washed away or covered with debris and sewage-contaminated water.

If you can help give a family in Moldova the immediate assistance they need, please contact Feed The Children UK.

Blankets can be taken to our offices in Twyford or Bristol, or to any of our regional collection points.

Thank you for caring.