IOM continues to provide much-needed logistical support and
assistance to agencies and international NGOs helping some 12,000
families displaced by recent fighting in the disputed oil-rich town
of Abyei.

Two large IOM storage tents have been assembled in the town of
Turalei to warehouse thousands of Non Food Items, including tents
and plastic sheeting, which are being distributed to vulnerable
displaced families through a fleet of IOM trucks.

IOM is also working with the World Food Programme to conduct
food distribution in areas of south of Abyei, including Agok,
Abatok, Malual Alio, Awal and Wunpeth, which shelters most of the
displaced.

IOM has sent more than 260 tonnes of assistance to the Abyei
region, including tents and 5,500 Non Food Items kits, containing
mosquito nets, soap, plastic sheets and mats, blankets and jerry
cans before the beginning of the rainy season, which is expected in
the coming days.

Fighting which erupted on 13th May between the Sudan
People’s Liberation Movement and the Sudanese Army has forced
the majority of the residents of Abyei town to flee southwards
towards Agok and surrounding areas such as Abatok, Awal, Wunpeth
and Malual Alio. Others have fled towards into Twic County in
Warrap State. It is also reported that a small number went to Aweil
East in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State and Bentiu on Unity
State.

For more information, please contact:

Nelson Bosch

IOM Khartoum

Tel: + 249 912 14 1757

E-mail: "mailto:nbosch@iom.int">nbosch@iom.int