The Caritas network of Catholic aid agencies has launched an appeal to help refugees fleeing from turbulent Chad to neighbouring Cameroon.

As many as 50,000 people have crossed the border to escape violent clashes between government and rebel forces in Chad. Catholic churches in the border town of Kousseri in Cameroon have been sheltering thousands of Chadians.

Caritas Internationalis, the umbrella organisation for 162 national Catholic charities, is appealing for £85,000 to meet the immediate needs of the Chadian refugees.

Caritas France Communication Coordinator Judith Marie said, "Outside, on the ground and in open-air conditions, with their few belongings, people are waiting to go back to Chad or to be directed to other sites. The most vulnerable, especially children, sleep inside the church or in a few other arranged rooms.

"The Catholic community mobilised quickly to attend to the most basic needs of the refugees, with three food distributions by volunteers. Soap, blankets, mosquito nets and cooking equipment have also been given out.

"Access to water has been sufficient until now but the well in the church is beginning to become depleted. The local church has restocked medical supplies."

Caritas Cameroon (BASC) is working to support the local church in Kousseri in responding to the refugee population.

The construction of shelter and straw housing remains one of the most pressing needs, whilst latrines, food and basic materials like blankets, mats, hygienic kits and medicines remain in short supply.

Ms Marie added that families hosting refugees in Cameroon were feeling the strain on their resources. The price of a sack of rice has risen almost fourfold, whilst food supplies could be affected by the poor harvest

Caritas is continuing its relief operations in Chad despite the dangers, with food distribution carried out in three camps for refugees fleeing the fighting in the Darfur region of Sudan.