UNHCR relocates over 40,000 flood affected S. Sudan refugees in Ethiopia
By Tesfa-Alem Tekle
May 29, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Friday it has relocated a total of 42, 616 South Sudanese refugees from flood prone Leitchour and Nip Nip camps to a newly built Jewi camp in Ethiopia’s Gambela region.
The camp-to-camp operations, which begun on May 8, involves over 400 buses, 86 trucks helicopter.
The Nip Nip camp was officially closed on 9 May.
The relocation operation aims to protect refugees from risks of flooding as rainy season approaches.
Last year, Leitchour and Nip Nip camps were severely hit by flooding after heavy rains forced the Baro River to burst its banks.
A total of 51, 300 refugees from flood-prone areas will be relocated.
According to the UN refugee agency currently an average of 407 South Sudanese refugees cross borders to Ethiopia via two entry points (Pagak and Akobo) to escape the ongoing fighting at home.
Since conflict erupted in South Sudan on December 2013, a total of 205,556 South Sudanese of which most women and children have arrived in Ethiopia raising the total South Sudanese population in Gambella region to 260,000.
Following the eruption of the conflict, over half a million South Sudanese have fled to neighbouring countries but Ethiopia has received the highest number of refugees.
UNHCR has met with partners in Addis Ababa to review emergency preparedness levels as almost 6,000 South Sudanese refugees wait at border entry for registration.
As refugees keep arriving, the Ethiopian government has identified a suitable land close to Pugnido refugee camp to build an additional camp.
The UNHCR and its local partner Administration for refugees and Returnees Affairs (ARRA) have undertaken site planning and a budget proposal have been submitted to Headquarters.
(ST)