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Iraqi Red Crescent volunteers distributing water in Sinjar /Photo credit: Ibrahim Malla/IFRC
Hundreds of thousands of people in Iraq have needed vital support after escalation of violence and unrest in the region has forced thousands of families to flee their homes, prompting assistance from the Iraqi Red Crescent and as well as the international Red Cross movement.
Since early June, Iraqi Red Crescent volunteers and staff have been providing support (food, water, shelter) to the thousands of people who have been forced out of their homes to seek refuge elsewhere, mainly in the Kurdistan region. Often, young Iraqi Red Crescent volunteers work long days to ensure help is received.
Families are taking refuge in host communities, mosques and public buildings, and others are temporarily residing in hotels.
The ongoing violence has made it difficult for people to receive health care and power cuts, due to system breakdowns or fuel shortages, have major impact on the water supply.