Humanitarian flights to Kuito still blocked

Relief flights to the besieged town of Kuito in Angola’s central highlands remained grounded on Monday as thousands of people fleeing nearby fighting sought refuge in abandoned or war-damaged buildings. A spokesman for the UN Humanitarian Assistance Coordination Unity (UCAH) told IRIN, however, that it was hoped security would permit WFP to resume flights “as soon as possible”. Aid agencies were advised to withdraw non-essential staff from Kuito during the weekend of 12 March when the airport was closed following a bombardment and heavy rains which made it inoperable. “We have reports that heavy shelling was heard in Kuito overnight,” the spokesman said. “The people seeking shelter there have been fleeing fighting on the outskirts of the town.”