Some 50,000 refugees from south-western Darfur have arrived in Chad following fresh tribal clashes, the United Nations refugee agency said today, urging more shelter, clean drinking water, food and medicine in what is called the largest influx of refugees from Sudan into Chad since 2005. "Our staff tell us that most of the people fleeing Sudan have arrived on foot, donkeys or on carts to save their lives," UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) spokesperson, Melissa Fleming, told journalists in Geneva.
"Refugees witnessed their houses being destroyed and villages completely burnt down. Many reported their relatives being killed in the latest round of violence," Ms. Fleming noted, adding that people are "exhausted, traumatized and visibly disturbed." The number of refugees is expected to increase, Ms. Fleming said with more clashes, "Our staff report witnessing thick heavy smoke in the Darfur skies fearing this may be the result of more houses being set on fire in the nearby Darfur villages."
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