As the conflict in Central African Republic between the Muslim Seleka-fighters and Christian anti-balaka heats up again, the population of CAR has another struggle to fight, and this one might be harder to win: the rain. Returning annually around March, both IDPs and organisations in the field were anxiously waiting to see what the rain season would bring to the settlement sites.

Earlier than expected, it started with nothing more than a moderate rain during the night of February 1^st, but the effect was significant with sites at the Airport and St. Charles sustaining the most damage.“We held an emergency meeting today with CCCM, Shelter/NFI, Protection, OCHA, REACH and site management  to prepare a plan of action for what to do about the airport population. We are meeting again tomorrow with the addition of Health, WASH and other actors to take the next steps.” said Andrew Cusack, CCCM Rapid Response Team Officer deployed in CAR.

All parties involved concluded that displaced persons should be encouraged to return home where safe to do so. A rapid population assessment will be undertaken by camp management to determine the perceived barriers preventing persons to return. Security still seems to be the primary factor for most, but some are unwilling to return because their houses have been looted or burnt to the point that there’s nothing left.Prior to yesterday’s rains, all actors knew that something had to be done before the rainy season. Steps were being taken, but the changes in conditions have forced them to move the schedule up significantly.

For more information on Central African Republic, follow @CCCMCluster or visit car.humanitarianresponse.info