Conflict-stricken IDPs increasing by the day

ISLAMABAD: UN agencies are concerned about the soaring figure of 1,750 conflict affected families in Mohmand Agency, Fata. This figure is likely to go up to 5,000 families according to the Fata Disaster Management Authority (FDMA), The Express Tribune has learnt.

As the military operation continues in Mohmand Agency, UN states that the newly displaced population mainly consists of women, children and elderly.  The displacement period is expected to continue for up to two months in the region.

UN agencies have scaled up their efforts in the province, working with limited resources for the conflict affected IDPs. Two camps have been established inside Mohmand Agency. So far, UNHCR has provided 650 tents against the current requirement of 1,000, out of which 372 tents haven been installed in Nahqai Camp while 370 at Danishkol, with the help of FDMA. In addition 1,025 non-food item kits have also been distributed at both camps.

Although there is cooked food served at both camps by FDMA and political administration through local partners, FDMA has informed that stocks are not enough for the increasing figure.

FDMA also states that it’s not just food but nutrition assistance which is also needed. WFP in collaboration with Unicef is scaling up its initial emergency response and is distributing urgent nutrition commodities.

To cater to the needs of children Unicef has started distribution of high energy biscuits for children up to five years; however total stocks of biscuits available can only last a month for 2,000 families.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 8^th, 2011.