Via ReliefWeb, a report from the International Organization for Migration and the Inter Sector Coordination Group: ISCG Situation Update: Rohingya Refugee Crisis, Cox’s Bazar - 19 November 2017 - Bangladesh.
Highlights
• 621,000 new arrivals are reported as of 18 November, per IOM Needs and Population Monitoring.
• Since the last situation report on 12 November, there have been 5,500 new arrivals.
• As of 18 November, the Bangladeshi Immigration and Passports Department has registered 563,350 people through biometric registration.
• The Armed Forces Division (AFD) has completed the first stage (soil work) of 6.32 of the 22KM road (noted on the map in red) throughout the mega camp. They have also completed 515 metres of brick work including two small bridges.
• The Rural Electricity Board (REB) is currently working on the installation of 17 new light fixtures.
621,000 Cumulative arrivals since 25 Aug
340,000 Arrivals in Kutupalong Expansion Site
235,000 Arrivals in other settlements and camps
46,000 Arrivals in host communities
Situation Overview
• Violence in Rakhine State which began on 25 August 2017 has driven an estimated 621,000 Rohingya across the border into Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. The speed and scale of the influx has resulted in a critical humanitarian emergency. The people who have arrived in Bangladesh since 25 August came with very few possessions. They have used most their savings on transportation and constructing a shelter, often out of no more than bamboo and thin plastic. They are now reliant on humanitarian assistance for food, and other life-saving needs. Basic services that were available prior to the influx are under severe strain due to the massive increase in people in the area. In some of the sites that have spontaneously emerged, water and sanitation facilities are limited or of poor quality, with extremely high density raising the risks of an outbreak of disease. The Rohingya population in Cox’s Bazar is highly vulnerable, having fled conflict and experienced severe trauma, and now living in extremely difficult conditions.
• Population movements within Cox’s Bazar remain highly fluid, with increasing concentration in Ukhia, where the Government has allocated 3,000 acres for a new camp. People have begun arriving at the new, proposed site before infrastructure and services can be established. Crucially there is limited access to the site and no roads through this site; this is preventing the development of infrastructure including water and sanitation facilities.
