"Our humanitarian colleagues inform us that, since Oct. 16, at least 10,000 newly internally displaced people have arrived by boat in Pemba, Cabo Delgado's provincial capital," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "The displaced people, mostly women and children, are fleeing the ongoing conflict in the region."

 

"We, along with our partners, have provided food and water for more than 5,000 people over the last few days," Dujarric said, adding that more than 300,000 people are now displaced and in need of life-saving assistance because of violence over the last 10 months in Cabo Delgado.

 

According to published reports, some 1,500 people have been killed in the area over the last three years in an insurgency by alleged Islamists.

 

The spokesman said humanitarian partners have also put in place measures to prevent possible disease outbreaks, specifically diarrhea and COVID-19, installing temporary latrines and handwashing facilities. They also are distributing face masks and setting up an emergency medical tent.

 

The Humanitarian Rapid Response Plan for Cabo Delgado has received around 60 percent of the 35.5 million U.S. dollars requested.