Hundreds of South Sudanese returnees who have returned to their home state of Warrap are living in difficult humanitarian conditions in the open and under trees. Their condition has deteriorated since the onset of heavy seasonal rains.
A number of returnees in the state capital Kwajok told Radio Tamazuj that they are living in tough circumstances in the open and under trees since their arrival from Juba after a river journey from Sudan, pointing out that they lack food, medicine and tents. A child has reportedly died as a result of drowning in recent flooding.
Returnees stressed on the reluctance of the state authorities to provide even the simplest forms of support for the returnees caught in the open. They explained that they previously had to abandon a designated area for them amid controversy with the authorities.
They also warned of a potential health disaster resulting from accumulation of water and mosquito breeding which increased the incidence of malaria cases. Returnees lack mosquito nets and medicine. The returnees appealed to organizations and authorities in Warrap to provide assistance and tarpaulins.