Work in Gaza Continues Amid Closure

by Paul Johnson, May 6, 2009

Mercy Corps' humanitarian programs in Gaza are struggling to operate amid Israel's ongoing closure of Gaza's border, which has led to fuel rationing, electricity and water shortages, people waiting in long lines to buy bread, and rising prices for needed materials such as fabric and painting supplies.

For example, our program that employs out-of-work Gazans to sew gowns and linens for local hospitals has slowed due to a lack of electricity to run the sewing machines. Staff are also paying two to two-and-a-half times more for fabric that's of a lower quality than was available before the closure, according to Isdud Al Najjar, who manages Mercy Corps' work in Gaza.

Exodus of IDPs overwhelms northern Sri Lanka

by Paul Johnson, May 6, 2009

Mercy Corps is marshaling a humanitarian response to the growing crisis in northern Sri Lanka, where more than 90,000 people have fled fighting between Tamil Tigers and the Sri Lankan army in the past week.

In all, an estimated 190,000 Sri Lankans are living in camps located in government-controlled areas; at least another 50,000 remained trapped inside the conflict zone, according to the UN.

Families escaping the area face overcrowded camps with "overwhelmed" health facilities and a lack of water and sanitation, according to the UN. In the area most densely settled with displaced families, Vavuniya, an average of 18 persons are crammed into tents designed for a family of five, according to the UN's humanitarian team.