Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

South Sudan + 5 more

South Sudan Humanitarian Bulletin Issue 9 | 12 June 2017

Attachments

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Inter-communal violence and insecurity in May forced thousands of people to flee their homes in Terekeka to seek shelter on the islands of Geimeza.

  • Cases of cholera confirmed in Tonj East County of Warrap as outbreak approaches one-year mark.

  • Insecurity and conflict negatively impacted humanitarian operations in May with at least 36 aid workers relocated including from famine-affected areas.

  • Health partners express deep regret and sadness following the passing of 15 children in rural and remote Nachodokopele village. The risk of measles in South Sudan remains high due to challenges faced by the health system.

Terekeka: thousands displaced following inter-communal clashes

Inter-communal violence and insecurity in May forced thousands of people to flee their homes in Terekeka, Central Equatoria and seek shelter on the islands of Gemeiza, Khorshomba, Kanya-wai, Gulubach, Gori, Yeki, Malang and Legger, as well as to the north in Bor South.

Internally displaced people (IDPs) in Mangala North and Gemeiza Islands in Terekeka have been sheltering out in the open, drinking untreated water from the river and practicing open defecation, according to an assessment carried out on 23 May. Displaced people reported relying on wild foods for sustenance, while some host communities have reportedly generously provided food, mosquito nets and bedding to IDPs to help them cope during their displacement. Humanitarian organizations are concerned regarding the risk of cholera, in light of the limited access of IDPs to improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).

Separately, in Malek in Bor South about 1,400 people - mainly women and children - were sheltering in a non-functioning school during an assessment carried out on 18 May. The school was overcrowded, increasing the risk of communicable diseases. There were also no latrines available, forcing IDPs to defecate in the bush. The health facility in the area reported an acute shortage of essential medical supplies.

Insecurity remains the predominant concern for displaced people, who reported that they were staying in the collective sites and bushes because of fears of further attacks.

Several IDPs reported that their homes had been burnt and that their food stocks and household items had been looted during the clashes. The IDPs indicated that they would return to their villages if the security situation normalizes.

A follow-up mission by five national and international non-governmental organizations took place in Terekeka from 8 to 12 June.

Disclaimer

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.