From Mercy Corps:

Aiding War-Displaced Georgian Families

Brutal fighting has driven as many as 50,000 Georgians from their homes. Mercy Corps is responding to the needs of Georgia's displaced people after intense fighting erupted there last week. As we continue to monitor an ever-changing situation, we are poised to deliver immediate aid to families in need.

You can help us rush critical assistance to those affected by the region's worst violence in years.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that between 10,000 and 20,000 people have fled from the northern province of South Ossetia into other parts of Georgia. In addition, Russian sources estimate that 30,000 people have fled north into Russia.

Mercy Corps has already purchased essential food items — including bread, rice and oil — and plans to distribute them to hundreds of displaced people in the coming week. Distribution points will likely be set up in and around the now-embattled capital city of Tbilisi.

"Civilians are the innocent victims caught in the middle of this conflict," said Randy Martin, director of Mercy Corps' Global Emergency Operations team. "Tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes, and are in desperate need of basics like shelter, food and fuel."

Fighting started last Thursday following months of heightened tensions in the semi-autonomous region of South Ossetia. The fighting escalated when Russia sent troops and tanks into the area. Pressure is now building in another disputed northern province, Abkhazia, and violence is reportedly spilling into other parts of Georgia as Russian forces advance.

Mercy Corps has worked in Georgia since 2000. Our programs support rural development by helping farm families increase production, gain access to financing and form farmer groups that help families connect to markets and information. Mercy Corps has also helped cultivate young leaders working to build an inclusive, multi-ethnic society in Georgia.

Mercy Corps was on the verge of launching a new program in South Ossetia aimed at increasing interaction between ethnic Ossetian and Georgian youth when the conflict began.
With your help, we can help displaced families weather the current conflict and begin rebuilding their lives. Please make an immediate contribution to our Georgia Crisis Fund. Please make an immediate contribution to our Georgia Crisis Fund.