Skin diseases, hunger in Jebel Marra
Newly displaced people in North Darfur, their numbers verified at 36,000 by aid organisations, suffer from spreading diseases and food and medicine shortages in Deribat area.
People who fled from conflict-affected areas in Jebel Marra and now reside north and east of Deribat have complained about a spread of diseases and a shortage of food and medicines. Humanitarian organisations have adjusted the number of verified newly displaced people in North Darfur to 36,000.
The refugees from Fanga and Dobo El Omda areas in East Jebel Marra suffer from skin diseases, fever, diarrhoea and headaches, a listener reported to Dabanga. The skin disease started spreading among adults and children a week ago, carrying symptoms of rash. The itch is so severe that people who suffer from it cannot sleep, he claimed. The listener appealed to the United Nations and the humanitarian organisations to gain access to the displaced in these areas to save them.
By 1 February, humanitarian organisations verified more than 36,000 newly internally displaced people in North Darfur because of the armed conflict between government forces and rebel movements. The majority has sought shelter in Tawila, El Fasher, and Um Baru localities. This is an increase of almost 16,000 people compared to the previous week.
The organisations argued that the actual number may be higher with unverified reports of displacement in parts in Jebel Marra, where the fighting is concentrated. They have not been able to access these locations owing to insecurity.
The listener also revealed that the displaced are facing a shortage in food and medicines. “We only eat one meal a day because of a lack of grain mills.” He added that most people fled the villages of Kabri, Doli, Euro, Darmali and Rogli. He called upon the authorities to open the roads for traffic so they can transport food, medicines and other goods, and provide access to secure areas.
Um Baru
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that aid agencies and Unamid verified 4,500 newly displaced who have taken refuge in the protected area near the peacekeeping mission's base in Um Baru. They estimated that 15,500 people sought protection in the vicinity. This group stays in the area during the daytime and returns to their homes at night.
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