The camps in West Timor are said to be rife with rumours of lack of food, shelter and continuing violence in East Timor. Within East Timor itself, the damage is systematic and massive, especially in Dili, in district seats and other major towns and in villages throughout the western districts. Some highland communities in the eastern zones seem to be relatively in tact, although schools and health clinics are not functioning for lack of personnel and supplies, and food is in short supply. The residents of Quelicai, where I lived and did field work 26 years ago, are subsisting on roots and tubers. In many areas, the rains are beginning before this season's crops can be planted, which means that the humanitarian crisis is likely to persist into 2000.
Shelter remains a major problem.
The humanitarian agencies are doing a commendable job. Living and working in extremely difficult circumstances, OCHA, under Ross Mountain's exceptional leadership, has organised and co-ordinated a strong initial response. An effective division of labour has been worked out with each of the humanitarian agencies working in different parts of the country in their areas of specialisation. This inevitably leads to a question regarding adequacy of coverage -i.e. As noted, food and shelter remains serious problems in many places.