DR Congo aid situation dire

GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross says the security situation is unstable in Democratic Republic of the Congo, making it difficult to deliver aid.

The ICRC said Tuesday the recent outbreak of violence between DR Congo government forces and the rebel National Congress for People's Defense in the country's eastern North Kivu province has stopped but the humanitarian situation is "catastrophic, for everyone in the region," the ICRC reported.

The international relief agency said thousands of people have been forced to flee the violence, and many of them are gathering in camps around Goma. Officials say that while the situation is currently calm, it could deteriorate again rapidly.

"The humanitarian situation is as worrying as ever. Security is a vital need, both for the population (resident and displaced) and for aid workers. Without security, we cannot reach the people who need our help," the release said.