Over 70,000 individuals have evacuated from their residences in the southern districts since the start of the most recent outbreak in early February, as reported by the agency on Friday.

In just one region, Chiure, more than 56,000 individuals have been impacted and over 33,000 have moved into the nearby Nampula province due to this situation.

Most of those who were forced to leave their homes are females, including pregnant women, individuals with disabilities, and elderly individuals. Additionally, over 50% of them are children.

Homes and schools destroyed 

According to the UNHCR, the violence has resulted in widespread damage of neighborhoods, educational institutions, medical facilities, and other places of religion and community.

“The ongoing destruction has worsened the already severe humanitarian crisis in Mozambique, with more than 709,000 individuals displaced as a result of violence from non-State armed groups and the effects of the climate emergency,” stated the agency.

Since 2017, the region of Northern Mozambique has been facing issues of instability due to the violent actions of jihadist groups targeting civilians. In response, military forces from Rwanda and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a group of 16 countries in the region, have been providing support to the local army since July 2021.

According to sources in the media, a recent upsurge of turmoil is coinciding with efforts by a French oil company to resume a heavily delayed liquefied natural gas venture worth $20 billion in Cabo Delgado.

Supporting displaced families 

Families impacted by the situation have taken shelter in designated areas and local communities in Nampula, with an additional 8,000 individuals seeking refuge in the Maratane refugee camp.

UNHCR and partners are providing relief items to the new arrivals, including blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, jerrycans, buckets, solar lamps, kitchen sets and plastic sheets. 

Individuals with specific needs will be assessed and enrolled in support programs. Efforts are also being made to provide additional aid in critical areas like water and sanitation, protection, shelter, food security, and healthcare. Despite the efforts, insufficient funding is hindering the response.

UNHCR is seeking $49 million for its operations in Mozambique this year. 

The organization, present in the nation since the 1980s, emphasized its dedication to maintaining close communication with local officials, aid organizations, and community members in order to meet the pressing needs of displaced individuals in Cabo Delgado.

Source: news.un.org