Georgia - Complex Emergency: Fact Sheet #17, Fiscal Year (FY) 2008
On September 5, the final of three scheduled shipments of relief commodities transported by the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard arrived in Poti, Georgia. The emergency relief commodities aboard the USS Mount Whitney will be distributed to affected populations by USAID partners. ' Participants at the September 4 U.N. coordination meeting, including the USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) noted increased tensions among IDP populations in anticipation of rumored Government of Georgia (GOG) plans to vacate schools serving as collective centers. The international community continues to advocate with the GOG for a clear, phased approach to consolidation of Tbilisi-area centers. ' According to the USAID DART, the Early Recovery Coordination Group has developed a sub-group focusing on livelihoods programs and support for returnees. The coordination group discussed damage to agricultural areas and potential repairs, noting that many assessed villages have sustained limited damage and overall, damage occurred in a small geographic area. USAID DART staff is prioritizing livelihoods programs that include activities for IDPs in collective centers throughout Georgia.