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Close to 25,000 people have been displaced in the eastern province of South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since fighting began in April between the army and Rwandan Interahamwe militia, the UN Office for the Coordination of the Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Tuesday.
This estimate was the result of a census system set up by an NGO, Caritas, with the support of local authorities and representatives of internally displaced persons (IDPs), OCHA reported.
"In addition to these IDPs, we must add 867 families who have returned from Burundi and are right now in Mutarule," OCHA reported.
Fighting between these two forces took place from 19 to 23 April in Lemera and Lubarika in Uivra Territory, and around Lemera on 27 April, according to the humanitarian community in South Kivu, OCHA reported.
OCHA described the situation as worrying. "IDPs are sheltered by host families. There are sometimes 10 families in one household."
The most urgent needs for the IDPs are being provided. Caritas in Uvira has received two weeks supply of food aid from the UN World Food Programme and non-food items from the UN Children's Fund. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees is providing shelter material and International Medical Aid (financed by ECHO) is providing health care. The International Committee of the Red Cross, Tear Fund and REGIDESO are providing water. Local authorities and residents will clear drains and sewers.
This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions
