NAIROBI, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) warned on Wednesday of a worsening humanitarian crisis after an estimated 50,000 people fled violent clashes in Ethiopia and crossed into Kenya.
UNHCR Representative in Kenya Fatima Mohammed-Cole said the UN refugee agency is closely monitoring the situation on the Kenya-Ethiopia border in Moyale, where ongoing clashes on the Ethiopian side have forced tens of thousands to cross into Kenya in search of safety.
"We are also working with the authorities and partners to identify safer accommodation options, further away from the border, for those fleeing violence," Mohammed-Cole said in a statement.
According to the UNHCR, significant cross-border movements have been reported since Oct. 22.
Local authorities report that 50,000 people have crossed into Kenya, a figure that remains fluid as registration and verification efforts continue alongside reports of ongoing border crossings.
"Many of those fleeing are women and children. While some are staying with relatives and host communities, others have sought shelter in temporary locations like schools and churches," Mohammed-Cole said.
She emphasized that food is the most urgent priority, along with safe drinking water, emergency shelter, sanitation, and healthcare.
The UNHCR has deployed an emergency team to Moyale and is collaborating closely with Kenya's Department of Refugee Services, county authorities, and partners, including UN agencies and the Kenya Red Cross Society, to support the local response.
Mohammed-Cole added that the UNHCR is mobilizing emergency relief supplies, including essential household items and temporary shelters, to assist nearly 12,000 people, with plans to scale up operations as needs increase.
The agency is also supporting ongoing assessments to evaluate protection and humanitarian requirements. ■
