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Iraq

Iraq: Mosul Humanitarian Response Situation Report #4 (26-28 October 2016) [EN/AR/KU]

Attachments

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Over 17,500 people are currently displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance. Partners are providing emergency assistance in camps and host communities.

  • Many people are fleeing suddenly and with few belongings, which leaves them reliant upon humanitarian assistance in camps and host communities.

  • Scorched earth tactics employed by retreating ISIL members are having an immediate health impact on civilians, and risk long-term environmental and health consequences.

  • Almost 19,000 displaced people and vulnerable residents have been reached with emergency assistance within 48 hours, many of whom are in newly-retaken areas close to the front lines.

Overview

As of 29 October, the IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix emergency tracking system (DTM) has recorded 17,520 people displaced by the military operations to retake Mosul. Movements of displacement are complex, but the predominant direction is southwards: around two thirds of displaced people have fled towards Al Qayyarah, with 200 people fleeing as far south as Fallujah, in Anbar Governorate. Formal camps are currently housing 51 per cent of the displaced population in Ninewa and Anbar, whereas the remainder has sought shelter in host communities, which are vulnerable themselves, and in need of humanitarian assistance. In addition, some secondary displacements have been recorded: in this reporting period, 200 families (1,200 people) left Al Qayyarah Jad’ah camp for host communities in Al Qayyarah town.

Some displaced people report having had time to plan their escape, while others have had to flee suddenly, with no prior warning. People are facing serious risks during the journey, like capture by armed groups, and casualties from crossfire and improvised mines. Some families report having little or no information prior to fleeing, either about the status of the conflict or the conditions under which they would move. Assessments indicate that people are fleeing with very few belongings: many are only stopping to collect identification documents, water and available cash before seeking safety. Their lack of belongings leaves them heavily dependent on assistance, which is less readily available in host communities. In Ibrahim al-Khalil village, for example, the displaced and hosting populations have reported limited access to food, clean water, health care and medication. The shortage of food and basic services may cause secondary displacement, as people move to camps in order to meet basic needs.

According to assessments, the vast majority of respondents in camps and host communities have expressed the intention to return to their villages as soon as it is safe to do so. Some had chosen to seek shelter in recently-retaken villages despite the shortage of basic services, because of fears about the screening processes. Primary pull factors for return are areas being deemed safe and the availability of livelihood opportunities.

Civilians are facing additional health risks caused by the scorched earth tactics employed by ISIL as they retreat. Since the start of the military operations, 19 oil wells have been set alight and a water plant has been damaged causing a chlorine gas leak. The fire at the sulphur factory, which despite being 90 per cent extinguished, continues to pose a health risk. Over 1,000 people have received health care for respiratory illnesses and skin irritation caused by exposure to the toxic smoke. The possibility that drinking water has been contaminated is also being explored by the global WASH Cluster. The impact on the environment is likely to be dire, and may also have long term consequences for health and livelihoods.

Partners are providing emergency assistance to people arriving in and around Al Qayyarah, and in Debaga, Hasansham and Zelikan camps. As of 27 October, seven camps are ready to receive displaced people, with a total of 9,116 available plots that could house 54,696 people. Almost 19,000 displaced people and vulnerable residents have been reached with emergency assistance, many of whom are in newly-retaken areas close to the front lines, but access remains a major challenge.

Disclaimer

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
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