The number of people fleeing Ethiopia into neighbouring Kenya has risen to 36,000, the United Nations said on Tuesday, as fighting near the border town of Moyale continues to displace civilians, mostly women and children.
The Kenya Red Cross said the displaced people were sheltering in six camps and villages within host communities.
“More food supplies are reaching the camps and our volunteers are helping serving hot meals every day, alongside the health services and household items already being provided,” the Red Cross said in a statement.
The fighting on the Ethiopian side of the border stems from a territorial dispute between the Oromia and Somali regional administrations, aggravated by the killing of a 13-year-old girl in an area administered by the Somali regional administration.
Kenya fears ripple effect of refugee influx
The UN refugee agency said it was “on the ground” with other agencies and humanitarian partners “to support the national and local emergency response”.
Local leaders in Kenya's Marsabit County expressed concern that the influx could overwhelm communities hosting thousands of those fleeing and appealed for support.
The Kenya National Human Rights Commission on Tuesday called for an urgent humanitarian response to protect those displaced and ease pressure on host communities.
