While the lack of humanitarian access has prevented efforts to determine the scale and precise needs of displaced and conflict-affected populations in South Ossetia, Abkhazia, and additional areas in western Georgia, the U.N Children's Fund (UNICEF) has released an initial appeal based on rapid assessments of Tbilisi and nearby towns of Mtskheta and Tianeti. On August 15, UNICEF appealed for an initial $3.2 million for water and sanitation interventions, health and nutrition activities, and education and child protection services. ' On August 17, the USAID/OFDA DART and USAID/Georgia noted that prepared food, hygiene kits, and shelter and bedding material are priority needs for displaced populations. ' The USAID/DART in coordination with USAID/Georgia and the U.S. Department of State are working to provide technical assistance to the GoG regarding the current humanitarian crisis. In addition, the USG is working with the GoG and international relief community to effectively prioritize the shipment and distribution of priority relief commodities for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Georgia. ' UNICEF is working to provide water tankering services for IDPs staying in collective centers in and around Tbilisi. The U.N. agency has distributed bottled water to an estimated 1,050 IDPs without access to running water and is working to expand current operations.