As many as 500,000 people have been displaced from their homes and are now facing severe nutritional and health risks. Some 75,000 are estimated to be under the age of five. The children's agency is coordinating its work with other involved United Nations partners. In addition to tremendous displacements, there have been several reported massacres, including severe violence to women and children.
Thousands hiding in the hills of East Timor are desperate for food and shelter.
Water and sanitation conditions have suffered major deterioration, Bellamy noted, and massive health risks for children and women are developing in overcrowded West Timor camps. Diarrhea and malaria pose particular dangers. Also family separation, disruption of education, and the trauma of witnessing atrocities are expected to have long-term impact, especially on children. The agency was forced to evacuate East Timor on September 5th. All rights reserved.