DR Congo: OCHA Humanitarian Situation Update No. 07 - North Kivu, 06 Nov 2008

- Relative calm, new confrontations in Nyanzale

- Estimated total of displaced persons since September : 252 000

Political and security context

Goma and parts of the Grand Nord remain relatively calm. Armed confrontations were reported this morning in Nyanzale.

The distance between FARDC and CNDP positions in Kibati is narrowing. Renewed confrontations would endanger the 65,000 IDPs that are currently installed in Kibabi.

After the improvement of security conditions in Kiwandja, the inhabitants of the town can move around freely. However, for the moment populations prefer to keep refuge in the parish, the hospital and the service station of Rutshuru.

A decrease of FARDC deployments was observed in South Lubero. They were redeployed to Rwindi and Vitshumbi, in Rutshuru territory.

Population Movements

The total number of newly displaced in North Kivu province after September 2008 is estimated at approximately 252,000 persons. This figure is a consolidation of information provided by the Commission for Population Movements and operational partners on the ground. It should be noted that these numbers remain estimations. This applies particularly to the figures provided for the area around Rutshuru and Kiwanja, where many families are still on the move or reside with host families.

The number of not yet registered IDPs in Kibati is estimated at 65,000 persons.

According to estimations, 1,430 households are living in public areas of Goma. The number of IDPs that sought refuge with host families is not known.

According to a mission by Solidarités in South Lubero, many IDPs in Kanyabayonga congregate in public sites (churches or sheds). Other households are assumed to be with host families. Overall, the IDPs are no longer spending the night outside.

350 displaced households coming from Rutshuru territory arrived in Butembo. The NGO Welthungerhilfe (ex-AAA) was requested to verify this information.

Assistance and Needs Assessment

Health

MSF-F and local health authorities (Bureau Central de la Zone de Santé - BCZS) have decided to re-open the health centre and dispensaries of the General Reference Hospital (HGR) of Rutshuru to assure quality healthcare to the sick that have left the centres of Kiwandja for Rutshuru.

MERLIN in cooperation with BCZS, will undertake the distribution of medical kits in health structures in Rutshuru on 7 November. These kits could not be distributed earlier due to clashes in Kiwandja.

NFI

For the third day, UNHCR distributed non-food items to 65,000 IDPs in Kibati. In the meantime, four trucks with 33 tons of various non-food items arrived in Goma from Tanzania via Rwanda.

Food

Caritas continues the distribution of WFP supplies to 135,022 beneficiaries in six camps: Kibati (65,900), Nzulo (5,000), Mugunga I (26,269), Mugunga II (10,550), Bulengo (16,467) and Buhimba (10,836). The ICRC is continuing food distribution to IDPs in Kibati. Food operations comprise a total of 365 tons, of which 90 tons are provided by WFP. The distribution of 10 day rations will continue until 8 November.

Shelter

In Kibati, UNHCR's third mobile warehouse is in the process of being assembled and should be operational by 7 November. UNHCR has provided shelter to some 600 families. The majority of displaced families slept under difficult conditions in the open air without covers or mattresses.

Education

Maps detailing intervention zones and closed schools are under preparation. The majority of schools in Rutshuru territory are closed, notably in Kibati-Kiwanja, Birambizo, Kibirizi, and Kanyabayonga.

According to EPSP, these schools will remain closed due to child protection concerns until security is re-established. In Jomba, the schools are functioning.

Watsan

OXFAM GB plans to distribute 6 000 hygiene kits to IDPs in South Lubero during the week of 10 November. These kits contain 20 litres and 5 litre jerrycans, soap, plastic basins, and mosquito nets.

Missions

Two NRC teams (protection and ICLA) arrived on 6 November in South Lubero to assess the protection situation and to undertake sensitization activities on the guiding principles on displacement.

For more information refer to : http://www.rdc-humanitaire.net

Contacts:

Christophe Illemassene, Public Information Manager, illemassene@un.org, Tel: +243 819 889 195

Noel Tsekouras, Desk Officer OCHA New York, tsekouras@un.org, Tel.: + 1 917 367 93 67

Ivo Brandau, Public Information Officer OCHA-DRC, brandau@un.org, Tel. : + 243 815 142 956