Authorities in rRaja town in South Sudan’s Lol State said civilians are at grave risk of hunger due to lack of food in the state.

The mayor of Raja town, Al-Amin Janga, told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday said citizens are suffering from hunger because their stored food was all looted after they fled fighting between government troops and rebel forces loyal to former first vice president Riek Machar in April.

He pointed out that many civilians who were displaced by the clashes returned to their homes. Janga pointed out that the citizens are now surviving on cassava leaves and wild fruits.

The mayor noted that roads connecting Raja town with other areas are closed due to the rainy season, further worsening the situation. He called on aid agencies to come to the help of the people of Raja.