Where is Mosul? How big is it?
Mosul is Iraq’s second largest city, believed to be home to more than a million people. That’s about the same size as Adelaide so slightly smaller than Hamburg at 1.7 million but larger than Munich at 1.2 million.
How many people are affected?
In a worst-case scenario, one million people could be displaced by the conflict and 700,000 could need emergency shelter. It’s difficult to know exactly how many people remain in the city as aid agencies haven’t been able to gain access for two years.
When did the conflict start?
Militants seized control of the Mosul in 2014. A coordinated effort to retake the city began in October 2016. It’s the biggest ground offensive in Iraq since the US-led invasion of 2003.
How big is the humanitarian emergency?
The UN has called the response to Mosul the single largest and most complex humanitarian crisis in the world in 2016. Even before the Mosul offensive began, there were 3.3 million civilians in Iraq who were internally displaced, and 10 million people in need of some form of humanitarian assistance. Depending on the scale and duration of the Mosul operation, as many as 14 million Iraqis may require humanitarian aid by the year’s end.
How many people are fleeing and where are they going?
Most of those who have fled so far [approximating 40,000], have done so from the city’s outskirts and mostly to the south and east of the city. Most people remain trapped within the city limits but they have been told by the Government to stay in their homes so may not be moving as they would have to pass two front lines. It’s too early to know when the larger flows of people will begin and in which direction people will move although the majority are likely to be directed south if the advancing military move them.
What’s the situation for people leaving?
Civilians face extreme risks during the military campaign, including from cross-fire, snipers and artillery. It’s feared thousands could be forcibly expelled or trapped between fighting lines. People fleeing also risk booby traps and explosive hazards.
What will people need most when they leave?
People from Mosul will leave with minimal possessions and be totally dependent on humanitarian assistance. They will need the basics: food, water, health support and shelter. It will also be important to ensure people have access to safe sanitation services, such as toilets and washing facilities.
What’s CARE doing to help?
CARE’s response will focus on shelter as well as water and sanitation, with special consideration for the specific needs of women and girls. CARE is prepositioning relief supplies such as water containers, tarpaulins and tents, which can be distributed immediately when needed. CARE has also deployed a team of emergency specialists to its northern Iraq office to support the response.
How is this crisis expected to affect women and girls?
Women and girls will likely face increased vulnerability to gender based violence, especially during the first stages of population movement when shelter conditions are not yet secure. CARE is predicting that over 46,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women could be affected by the military offensive towards Mosul. Mothers and their babies will have special nutritional and medical needs that will require special attention.
Women and children constitute the majority of displaced people and are vulnerable to risks such as violence, exploitation and health problems, particularly for pregnant or lactating mothers. Families may become separated during the initial stages of displacement when displaced people will be received in reception centres and this puts boys and girls at particular risk of exploitation and abuse.
What will happen after Mosul is liberated?
It’s impossible to predict with any precision. We expect a long-term humanitarian response will be required. Winter is approaching, which will mean freezing temperatures in some areas. As such, people will need things like warm clothes and blankets to ensure they can withstand the conditions.
What can I do to help?
Donate to the CARE International Secretariat in Switzerland here