BAGHDAD, Iraq: Over 25,000 innocent Iraqis have fled their homes in the past three weeks alone, in fear of becoming the next victims of escalating violence.

Dr Salah Abdul-Razzaq, a representative of the Shia Endowment, a governmental body devoted to running Shia religious institutions, put the current figure for displaced families at 13,750 countrywide, representing about 90,000 individuals in total.

"Our role in this crisis is to help these families with money donated by religious authorities and people," said Abdul-Razzaq. "Families of five members or less are provided with US $40 monthly, families of six to ten members get US $50 and families of more than 10 take US $75."

According to UN sources the Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has registered some 11,000 displaced families, with the most affected governorates being Baghdad, Holy Najaf, Anbar, Holy Karbala and Diyala.

"The numbers [of displaced people] are increasing day after day," said IRCS Director Dr Saad Haqi. "But our 100,000 volunteers are working hard countrywide to supply them with food parcels, potable water, blankets and kerosene, although much more is still required."