Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - The United Nations World Food Programme announced today that it intends to accelerate food supplies to at least 100,000 of the 365,000 people forced to abandon their homes in Mogadishu because of fighting, the most intense in 16 years.
WFP says the number of people assisted could rise swiftly to 150,000. “Last week we reached 32,000 people west of Mogadishu and now we are extending our operation west towards Qoryoley and south to Merka and Brava”, said Josette Sheeran, WFP executive director. “Many left their homes with only the clothes they were wearing and now are gradually returning to find their homes in ruins. Most of those who fled the fighting are now living in terrible conditions outside the city”, said Sheeran.
Yesterday on the part of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, WFP, flew 14 tons of non food humanitarian aid to Baidoa: blankets, plastic sheeting, water cans and water purifying equipment.
In the coming days WFP hopes to distribute food aid to at least 100,000 evacuees from Mogadishu, including 42,000 camped around the port city of Merka. Priority for food aid is also given to 9,000 people in Qoryoley, west of Mogadishu. WFP is preparing to distribute food aid to 13,500 people who fled Brava, 220 km south of Mogadishu and a second distribution to 32,000 displaced persons in Afgoye, a town about 30 km west of the capital. The agency is assessing ways to assist people in Mogadishu. The UN High Commission for Refugees estimates that since 1 February 365,000 , more than a third of the population, have fled Mogadishu. (AP) (4/5/2007 Agenzia Fides; Righe:29; Parole:350)
