No severe malnutrition is apparent among the children, but some have no clothes. The total number of East Timorese displaced since 5 September is estimated at 500,000. It is anticipated that 60 per cent of farmers will return to East Timor once the situation there has improved. About 25 per cent of the second group are expected to return. A staging center for humanitarian aid to the people of East Timor, located in Darwin, Australia, is now in operation with four staff members in place and additional staff on the way.
Supplies are also in place, awaiting safe transport to East Timor.
Latest movements in East Timor A truck with 1.2 metric tons of baby food left Atambua for Dili on 21 September, with the village of Dare its final destination. The truck cleared several military checkpoints but was turned back by militia elements on the outskirts of Dili. The truck reportedly returned safely to West Timor. It is essential that security be established to enable transport of vital humanitarian aid to proceed unimpeded. No threat from unexploded ordnance or landmines has been reported, but military advice to humanitarian agencies is to await clearance before proceeding to the field.