Caucasia Crisis: Relief for Refugees
- "People left in a rush, leaving everything they had behind" says Albert Dokter, Dorcas Regional Director for CIS. "Now they need food, clothing, hygiene items - but also personal attention.That's why Dorcas responds."
August 8, the capital of South Ossetia, Tschinvali and surrounded villages were bombed with heavy artillery. Within a few hours, 70% of the city was destroyed. According to Russian and Georgian officials, up to 30,000 refugees have fled northward into North Ossetia in Russia.
Dorcas, in partnership with long-term partner organisation NOMCC (North Ossetian Mission Christian Charity) provides food, hygiene material and clothing for 6,000 of the refugees. Of these, some 2,500 are staying with relatives in Vladikavkaz while some 500 have founds shelter in sanatorias. These 500 are children. About 3,000 are staying in a refugee camp near the city of Dzhava, South Ossetia. Dorcas' partner NOMCC has received a request from the regional government in South Ossetia to support the refugees.
Dorcas is also currently preparing a relief response project to the victims in Georgia.
While the many negotiations, conversations and discussions are going on to solve the conflict, the life and situation of individual persons tell the story of the brutalities of war. Click here to read the story of Yury Gagiyev and Irina Gagloyeva.
Update August 25, 2008:
Mrs Julia, Dorcas' partner in Vladikavkaz writes:
" The conflict has been giong on for two weeks now - but has brought so much misfortune to the civilian population. Many of the people in South Ossetia lost their homes and relatives. Every day, volunteers here visit families who have given shelter to the refugees. They bring food, essentials, washing powder, shampoo, soap to them. The volunteers have now visited 72 families. We've noticed that it's very important for the refugees to have contact and share about their experiences."
One of the refugees, Tamara who is an elderly lady, was given shelter by strangers in a nearby village tells:
- My four sons remained in Tshinvali. But I don't know where they are now! Please pray for them. I survived thanks to God."
photo: courtesy of Alertnet, REUTERS/Vasily Fedosenko, REF: RTR20XPM
Please visit the website for more updates!
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