Massive displacement in North Kivu following attack near IDP camps

An attack by unidentified troops today in North Kivu has caused panic resulting in some 45,000 displaced persons fleeing towards Goma, nearly half of them children.

In response UNICEF and Save the Children have set up three centres to identify children separated from their families and to begin the process of family tracing. The centers are situated along the nine mile road between Mugunga and Goma.

In the last month, 574 cases of cholera were reported in the camps. UNICEF is concerned that without preventive action this displacement could spread cholera to Goma, a city of 570,000 people. To stop the spread of cholera, UNICEF is increasing the availability of chlorination to provide safe water, while local authorities are communicating hygiene messages.

UNICEF and partners are responding to needs related to education, nutrition, emergency shelter and essential household items.