I. SITUATION OVERVIEW & HIGHLIGHTS
- Between 29 July and 26 August, 11,578 individuals (4,070 families) returned to their places of origin, the majority were from host families and less than 2,000 from Menik Farm. The total number of people resettled since late 2009 totals to 216,262 individuals with 71,264 people living with host families and 1,267 in social care centres.
- Return plans of the Government for August 2010 indicated that about 12,600 individuals would be assisted to return to their places of origin in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu Districts, of these approximately 80% that are currently in host family situations.
- By the end of August, 11 transit sites within six DS Divisions hosted 947 IDP families (3,288 individuals). The IDPs in these sites lack proper sanitation, adequate water and private living space. Advocacy continues at all levels for durable solutions for all returnees.
- As of 26 August, approximately 34,900 individuals remained in IDP camps in the north of Sri Lanka ? 32,700 in five zones in Menik Farm, Vavuniya, and around 2,200 in Ramavil camp, Jaffna. Advocacy to maintain services in the camps continues so as to ensure their reduction does not compel people to return prematurely and to improve overall, the protection environment.
- Humanitarian needs are likely to further increase in the next weeks and months, as the monsoon season approaches. The North?East monsoons deliver heavy rains to the Northern Districts between October and the following February, and are usually accompanied by strong winds, cyclones and causes extensive flooding. For the upcoming 2010?11 monsoon season, the Department of Meteorology forecasts higher than average rainfall, due to the current La Nina cycle. The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) with the support of OCHA is conducting a stocktaking exercise for preparedness and contingency planning. To prepare the Northern Province to meet needs during the upcoming rains, UNDP, IFRC and Sri Lanka Red Cross will conduct a training programme for Disaster Management, Disaster Relief Services, Red Cross and other NGO staff in the north. Training will start in early October 2010 and will include about 30 officials in each district.