In a statement released in the Kenyan capital, UNHCR said intense clashes between government forces and militia groups in the strife-torn central regions claimed no fewer than 258 civilians and left 253 wounded.
'[That] makes January the deadliest month since last August. We estimate that more than 80,000 Somalis have been displaced since the beginning of the year,' the agency said.
According to the latest statistics, an estimated 29,000 people were displaced in January in Dhusamareebb in Galgaduud region, while over 25,000 fled their homesn to escape renewed clashes in Beled Weyne in Hiraan region.
Some 18,000 displaced people were forced out of the capital, Mogadishu.
"The recent wave of displacement has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis that was already worse,"UNHCR said, adding that 'the internally displaced people in Galgaduud region face difficult conditions.
"Fearful of returning to their homes, many are reported to be sleeping in the open with dwindling shelter and little water. There are also growing concerns about the health conditions of particularly vulnerable groups - such as children, women and the elderly.
'So far,' it added, 'the deteriorating security conditions have made it ha rd, if not impossible, for humanitarian workers to access the needy population.'
The UN agency said it planned to distribute emergency relief items and shelter materials to over 18,000 people in 27 locations, where the displaced are temporarily settled as soon as the security situation will permit.
More than 1.4 million people are internally displaced in Somalia and some 560,000 Somalis live as refugees in the neighbouring countries.
In 2009, over 120,000 Somalis sought refuge mainly in Kenya, Yemen and Ethiopia.
Nairobi - Pana 04/02/2010
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