Intensified unrest in the townships caused greater humanitarian needs in 1990, as the disturbances in Natal worsened and spread to other regions as well, first extending down the Indian Ocean coast, and then reaching the townships around Johannesburg. Thousands died, thousands more were wounded, and there was widespread destruction of homes and property. The ICRC, in cooperation with the National Society, acted to relieve the suffering of the victims of this strife by implementing a family relief programme and a relief programme for displaced people in areas affected by the violence.