GENEVA, Aug 22: More than 200,000 people have fled fighting in Bajaur this month and are in urgent need of relief assistance, the International Committee of the Red Cross said on Friday.

The ICRC said it had launched an initial aid operation to help 64,000 of the 200,000 people forced to flee the troubled region.

“...these displaced people are in urgent need of basic necessities such as food, clean water and shelter,” said Pascal Cuttat, head of ICRC’s delegation in Pakistan. “Lack of medical care is a problem for sick people, particularly children.” Blankets, clothing, tarpaulins and other supplies were being given away to the displaced, and food was on its way.—Reuters