Alarming numbers of people fleeing western Mosul city

Since military operations began in Mosul city seven months ago, nearly 700,000 people have been displaced from their homes, including 500,000 people who have been forced to flee from the western neighbourhoods of Mosul city alone. As fighting has intensified in western Mosul, the number of people fleeing the west of the city has increased sharply.

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“The numbers of people fleeing their homes in western Mosul are overwhelming. We are talking about very large numbers of families who are leaving everything behind. They are fleeing under very difficult circumstances,” Lise Grande, the Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq.

The numbers of people who are moving are now so large, it’s becoming more and more difficult to ensure civilians receive the assistance and protection they need. As military operations intensify and move closer to Mosul’s old city area, we expect that up to 200,000 more people will flee.

“Many are food insecure and haven’t had access to safe drinking water and medicines for weeks or months. The Government is leading the operation, providing transport and aid. Humanitarian partners are doing their best to provide support along the routes out of the city and to help families when they reach emergency sites and camps,”  Ms. Grande.

As of 18 May, the 2017 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for Iraq, requesting US$985 million, is currently only 28 per cent funded. Under the 2017 HRP, approximately $331 million is being sought for the Mosul operation.

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Source: Reliefweb. Read full article here.
19 May, 2017