Photo: Yemeni children are terrified from the bombing

The U.S. is donating more than $68 million for relief efforts in Yemen, where almost 16 million people need assistance, Secretary of State John Kerry said.

The funds will support groups such as the World Food Programme and the United Nations Children’s Fund and High Commissioner for Refugees in providing food, shelter, medical care and other help, Kerry told reporters Wednesday in Djibouti during a one-day visit. The Horn of Africa nation is less than 20 miles across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen.

The UN says more than 300,000 people have been displaced by escalating violence in Yemen. A Saudi Arabia-led coalition began carrying out airstrikes against Shiite Houthi rebels in the country in late March. Humanitarian groups are warning of shortages of fuel, water, food and medical supplies.

The donation brings to more than $188 million the amount the U.S. has given for relief efforts in the Arab nation in fiscal years 2014 and 2015.

Bloomberg