A WOMAN from the North-East has vowed to continue her charity work in Uganda despite rising floods that have claimed the lives of more than 50 people.

Elspeth Robinson, from Darlington, is visiting the country to help poverty-stricken families improve their standard of living.

She runs her own charity, the Kumi Community Fund, working in the dangerous North-East region of the country, an area in the grip of poverty and ravaged by civil war.

Uganda has been hit by the heaviest rains in decades, with millions uprooted by the rising flood waters. Roads have been washed away and bridges destroyed.

The damage to the infrastructure has left communities cut-off from health care and aid agencies are working desperately to avoid disease spreading on epidemic proportions.

The Home Office has warned travellers against visiting the North-East of the country as a humanitarian crisis looms.

And with the rain expected to continue for the foreseeable future, the death toll looks set to rise.

Mrs Robinson's husband, Chris, has been inundated by concerned friends and relatives as the situation was broadcast on national television news over the past couple of days.

But she said yesterday she would see her project through, and use her funds to help those most at risk.

She said: "The situation is desperate for the people and I am just beginning to realise the implications of the disaster. The people say it is God's revenge and that He has filled the waters with big snakes.

"Over three million people who are in the catchment area for Kumi hospital are unable to attend. Their homes, crops, access to clean water and health care have gone. Disease such as malaria, cholera, typhoid, dysentery will be common. The water levels continue to rise."

Along with her husband, Mrs Robinson raises funds throughout the year before making a ten-week trip to Kumi. The couple have raised £12,000 this year, but in the light of the floods will gladly accept additional donations.

Mrs Robinson will use money to buy and distribute mosquito nets, food and drinking water, as well as helping to rebuild damaged mud huts. To donate, call Mr Robinson on 01325-465469