Over 7 million could face food insecurity in S. Sudan: OCHA

May 15, 2024 (JUBA) – An estimated over 7 million people in South Sudan are likely to experience high levels of food insecurity through July, the United Nations said.

The latest humanitarian snapshot from the UN relief agency (OCHA) shows that at least 79,000 people are at risk of catastrophic hunger mostly in locations affected by conflict, economic crisis and climate-related shocks in South Sudan.

Meanwhile, the influx of returnees and refugees from the conflict in Sudan has reportedly continued to strain already limited services at border points and in host communities. Since the war in Sudan began in April of last year, at least 670,000 new arrivals have been registered in South Sudan, 80 per cent of them returnees.

Humanitarian partners, OCHA said, are also mobilizing support for people displaced by intercommunal fighting in Tambura county, Western Equatoria state.

So far, an estimated 26,000 people have reportedly fled, and most residential areas around Tambura town are deserted.

According to the UN relief agency, this year’s humanitarian appeal for South Sudan remains severely underfunded, which is challenging response efforts. It also noted that only 11 percent of the $1.8 billion required has been received to date.

(ST)