United Nations – The African Union-UN Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) on Wednesday said that the number of civilians fleeing conflict in the Jebel Marra area in Sudan’s Darfur region jumped to 73,000 from 38,000.
This is contained in a statement issued in New York.
UNAMID also added that some 30,000 people flocked to Sortony, where the displaced had gathered next to a base operated by it.
The Mission also said that civilians had been leaving the Jebel Marra since hostilities between the government and a faction of the Sudan Liberation Army escalated in mid-January.
It said that the civilians arrived in three main locations in North Darfur state, including an established camp for the displaced in Tawilla, which accommodated 18,000 individuals since mid-January.
It quoted Ms Marta Ruedas, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan as saying “the situation remains very fluid.
“The UN and partners have teams on ground, working to assess the needs of those who have recently arrived in Sortony and Tawilla.
“Identifying the needs of vulnerable people is a painstaking exercise, but one that is necessary in order to provide timely and targeted humanitarian relief.’’
The Mission added that food and other emergency relief including water, shelter, medical supplies and nutrition supplements were provided to the newly displaced earlier on Monday.
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It added that thousands are also reported to have fled into Central Darfur.
It said that the UN has not yet been able to verify reported displacement or ascertain and respond to humanitarian needs, despite several requests to the authorities to access the relevant areas. (NAN)