Pakistan: South Waziristan displacement, 19 Oct 2009

This situation report is based on information received from United Nations Agencies, humanitarian partners, government sources and the media.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Since 17 October 2009, the military operations in the tribal areas of South Waziristan Agency intensified and resulted in considerable new displacements of civilians. According to the Social Welfare Department of the Government of North West Frontier Province (NWFP), the agency responsible for the registration of the displaced people, there are now a total of 106,800 internally displaced persons (IDPs) registered in Dera Ismail Khan and Tank Districts (85,000 in D.I. Khan, 21,800 in Tank Districts). This number comprises the 26,300 IDPs, who have arrived in the two districts since 13 October as well as the 80,500 IDPs, who came to the area earlier, between May and August 2009.

There are also reports of IDPs from South Waziristan moving to North Waziristan and Bannu District.

So far, the Government is only registering people from two Mehsud-inhabited 'conflict sub-divisions in South Waziristan Agency, namely Ladha and Sarwakai (see attached map). People originating from other adjoining areas are not registered by the authorities.

The humanitarian community estimates that over 170,000 people will be displaced as a result of the new military operations, which could bring the total number of IDPs to up to 250,000.

At present, the IDPs are accommodated with host families and no camps are set up, neither in D.I. Khan nor Tank Districts. However, the authorities might consider camps in the future, as more civilians leave the areas of conflict.

Local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are currently providing humanitarian assistance to the area of displacement by distributing food and non-food items, such as bedding, kitchen utensils, mattresses, bucket, etc.

The IDPs report of hardships on their way out of the conflict area as all main roads are blocked and tightly controlled. In addition, there is a curfew imposed in all conflict affected parts of South Waziristan.

NEEDS

The humanitarian community is prepared to distribute food to a possible second wave of IDPs. Other urgent needs include: support to existing health facilities, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) support, emergency shelter support and education for IDP children.

RESPONSE

Humanitarian access remains very restricted. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority of NWFP (PDMA) has indicated that non-objection certificates (NOCs) will be granted to local NGOs for humanitarian work, However, for security reasons access will be denied for UN agencies and international NGOs.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
www.un.org.pk

or

contact:

OCHA Office in Islamabad:
Manuel Bessler, OCHA Head of Office Pakistan bessler@un.org
Billi Bierling, Spokesperson, OCHA, Pakistan bierling@un.org Cell: 0300 850 2397