LOC18:32
15:32 GMT
GENEVA, Jan 4 (KUNA) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced on Tuesday that almost 7,800 people affected by recent fighting and tensions around Shangyl Tobay, in North Darfur, have received emergency assistance over the last three days.
"Most of these people fled their homes in search of security, taking with them only the most basic belongings," said Anne-Marie Altherr, head of the ICRC sub-delegation in Alfashir in a press release lanched in Geneva. "They have been sleeping in the open, with no shelter or bedding, in temperatures as low as 10 degrees Celsius at night. Most are women and children. Many are less than five years old," she added.
The people were forced to flee the towns of Shangyl Tobay and New Shangyl Tobay following clashes between the Sudanese armed forces and various armed opposition groups in the area. They sought refuge in three camps for the displaced and near an African Union/United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) military camp.
Between 2 and 4 January, the ICRC provided them with plastic sheeting, blankets, sleeping mats, bed sheets, clothes, kitchen utensils and hygiene items. It also delivered shovels and, with the help of community members, started building 16 temporary latrines to improve hygiene conditions.
The ICRC is monitoring the situation carefully and stands ready to respond to any need for humanitarian aid.
The ICRC has been assisting the victims of the armed conflict in Darfur since 2004. In partnership with the Sudanese Red Crescent Society and local authorities and communities, it provides emergency and long-term assistance for people displaced by the conflict, supports local health-care facilities and promotes compliance with international humanitarian law. (end) ta.mt KUNA 041832 Jan 11NNNN