Somalia: hungry in Kismayo, homeless around Burao

 Food assistance to Kismayo  

Kismayo, isolated both politically and economically, is having ever greater difficulty feeding itself. Displaced people and others recently returned from Kenya constitute particularly vulnerable groups whose presence is placing a strain on an already precarious situation. Faced with signs of severe malnutrition, the ICRC distributed 250 tonnes of sorghum, beans and vegetable oil to 12,500 displaced persons in Kismayo on 9 August 1995. There are indications that further needs can be expected.

 Acute needs in Somaliland  

When fighting erupted in the town of Burao last March, thousands of civilians fled to surrounding areas. In July, a survey showed that people from both sides displaced by the continuing clashes lacked shelter. Last week, the ICRC therefore distributed blankets and plastic sheeting to serve as temporary protection from the elements for 125,000 persons in 170 villages to the south and north of Burao as well as in the Odweyne district. In addition, two tonnes of medical assistance have been delivered to the hospitals in Beer and Odweyne, where war wounded are being treated.

 Relief operation continues in Juba Valley and Hiran area  

ICRC relief distributions are continuing in the lower Juba Valley where displaced people are facing serious food shortages. Over 13,000 persons from 11 villages in the Marere area received seed and food in mid-July. Since June, when distributions started in the region, the IC RC has assisted 45,000 families with 750 tonnes of food, 45 tonnes of seed and fishing equipment. In the Hiran and central Shabelle regions, 10,000 families received similar assistance.

 Video pictures taken recently in Somalia are available from Christophe Naigeon or Catherine Tellier, Agence PERISCOOP, Montpellier, France Tel. ++33 67 04 75 84