Fighting in southern Ethiopia has driven an estimated 50,000 people across the border into Kenya by Oct. 29, leading aid agencies to prepare for more arrivals as host communities face growing pressure.
The International Organization for Migration said the arrivals were in Moyale, in Kenya’s Marsabit County. Many are staying with local families. Others are staying at five temporary sites.
The latest displacement follows clashes involving Ethiopia’s Somali and Oromia regions. Reports say violence broke out in Moyale after a Somali regional flag was raised there on Oct. 20. IOM said Kenya’s government and aid partners are planning a response that could cover up to 80,000 people if the number of people fleeing keeps rising.
The agency warned that displaced families urgently need safe water, shelter, health care and basic supplies, as well as sanitation and protection services. Many arrivals are relying on local residents, whose resources and access to services are already under pressure. The estimate is still preliminary.
Agencies are monitoring movements and assessing needs as the situation develops.