The food items, which are expected to last one month, include cereals, pulses, vegetable oil and salt. World Vision International is distributing the food items on behalf of the UN.
The UN Deputy Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Southern Sudan, Ms. Lise Grande says:
“When the clashes took place, we first assessed conditions on the ground to determine the immediate needs of the affected population. We had to deal with logistical constraints and inaccessibility to the area, but we have now sent a one month food ration which we hope will alleviate the suffering of the affected population in Tonj East. Each household will receive at least 70 kgs of food aid. The UN plans to carry out more assessments and food deliveries in the coming days”.
An inter-agency assessment team will travel to the affected Payams in Tonj East next week to make further assessments of needs in terms of shelter, non-food items, nutrition and health. Medicins san Frontiers (MSF- Belgium) is also on standby to undertake a nutrition assessment in the area.
The head of the WFP in Southern Sudan, Leo van der Velden says that food deliveries started arriving in Tonj East on Friday and distribution will continue until further notice:
“We started the food distribution in Tonj East this weekend and we believe that the amount of food sent will be sufficient to last for at least one month”.