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Ottawa says Canadians have donated $70 million for East African famine relief, and the federal government will keep its promise to match that amount.

International Co-operation Minister Bev Oda said the $70-million total is a preliminary estimate of the donations made by Canadians between July 6 and Sept. 16 of this year.

"Canadians have once again demonstrated their compassion and generosity by continuing to support the people of East Africa suffering from this catastrophic drought," Oda said Wednesday when speaking at a conference in Montreal.

The total aid sent to East Africa will actually be twice that figure, as Ottawa has agreed to match each dollar that Canadians donated to the cause over the July-September period.

"The Canadian government is proud to partner with Canadians to help those affected by the drought. We continue to work with partners on the ground to ensure Canadian aid is helping those who need it the most, including women and children," said Oda.

Ottawa has already provided more than $72 million this year to support humanitarian operations in East Africa, where it is estimated that more than 13 million people are being affected by the ongoing drought.

The donation matching brings the Canadian government's spending on drought relief to $142 million.

Oda said the Canadian International Development Agency will distribute the forthcoming donated-and-matched funds to humanitarian organizations that will deliver aid to the people in need.